The self-regulation measure introduced by Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim last week appears to be on track since 7-11 outlets in 10 sections around Shah Alam have stopped selling beer.

khalid ibrahim pc 120809 01 Revealing the latest development to the press in Shah Alam today, Khalid said 7-11 outlets have discontinued beer sale in Section Two, Section Six, Section 19, Section 11, Section 13, Section 8, Section 7, Section 3, Jalan Kristal and Jalan Platinum in Section 7.

He added that seven other outlets have also agreed not to display beer in the refrigerators but will sell it over the counter upon requests by non-Muslims.

These are: Section 16, Section 17, Section 20, Section 9, Section 13 (next to hypermarket Giant) Section 13 (next to Carlton Holiday Hotel) and Section 18.

"Thanks to 7-11 for making the decision to impose this self-regulation. But we will keep a close eye on this process from time to time," he said.

Federal Constitution can override enactment

Last week, the menteri besar had stressed that there would not be a blanket ban on the sale of alcohol in the state but convenient stores such as 7-11 should practise self-regulation .

However, this is only a temporary measure as Khalid had said proper guidelines will be formulated in a month on the sale of alcohol drinks in the state.

NONE The new approach had to be taken in the wake of PAS Selangor calling for a blanket ban on the sale of alcohol in all Muslim-majority areas.

Khalid however remained adamant that the state government cannot impose a blanket ban on beer sale based on Syariah Criminal Enactment (Selangor) 1995, as suggested by PAS commissioner and state exco Hasan Ali.

He said the Federal Constitution "can override the enactment."

"Imposing self-regulation is the best way, because if we go with the law, there will always be a conflict between the Federal Constitution and the enactment.

"So let the citizens decide for their own good," he added.

Khalid is also mulling the possibility of extending the self-regulation exercise to other parts of the state if the measure proves effective in Shah Alam over the next 30 days.