Do Malaysians Want Alcohol, Gambling Nightclubs Banned?

A few so-called religious experts have advised Muslims in the country not to participate in the forthcoming Japanese ‘dancefest’ Bon Odori. Besides the proposed smoking and vaping ban announced by Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, an online survey conducted by a Muslim consumer group has asked for the Government to ban alcohol, gambling, bars, nightclubs, karaoke joints and the sale of sugary beverages.

The online survey by the Muslim Consumer Association of Malaysia, (PPIM) collated input from 1,259 respondents to gauge the views of the general public on negative habits apart from smoking and vaping for future generations. However, PPIM did not divulge the background of its respondents – probably all Muslims! It found that 89% of the respondents want the Government to ban alcohol while 69% want the Government to ban the sales of sugary beverages.

The survey also found that 86% of the respondents want the Government to ban gambling, while 79% want the Government to impose a ban on nightclubs, karaoke joints and pubs.

Are we on the road to a Taliban state? The survey is most probably skewed. And how can they propose a lifestyle that only meets a section of the population? Every single item, gambling, alcohol, cigarettes, vaping, karaoke joints, nightclubs, sugary drinks (esp. syrup bandung) could go “underground” and cause more problems. But these Taliban-style measures will create jobs for the Moral Police Force (to be formed under JAKIM?). At a time when Saudi Arabia with Mohammed bin Salman is trying to reform, we are in a retro show! Could we not focus on more beneficial stuff like inflation, economy and productivity? Or is that too much to ask?

Reference:

Survey: “Most M’sians want alcohol, gambling, nightclubs banned”, Bernie Yeo, 8 June 2022, Focus Malaysia