4070) PPIM: Drink in pubs, not public places - Malay Mail Online - 19/9/2017

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 20 — The Malaysian Muslim Consumers’ Association would not object to the promotion and distribution of alcohol if it were organised within the confines of entertainment outlets, said its chief activist Datuk Nadzim Johan.

In agreeing with the move by City Hall to reject the application by the organisers of Better Beer Festival 2017 scheduled for next month, Nadzim said such large-scale events which occupied public space were inappropriate.

“If they want to promote it at pubs, we are okay with it because that is how it has been done in the past,” Nadzim told Malay Mail.

“This is not about religion as Malaysia is a multiracial country. We cannot do something that is in conflict with the general order of things,” he added.

City Hall announced it denied approval for the festival following protests by PAS, and a senior official said the application was submitted this month.

The official added if the organiser insisted on continuing with the event, the council was entitled to act under existing legal provisions.

The festival’s organiser, Mybeer (M) Sdn Bhd, disclosed they were informed the ban was attributed to “religious sensitivities”.

The two-day festival was scheduled to be held on Oct 6 and 7 at Publika, Solaris Dutamas. It was to feature 250 craft beers from 43 breweries worldwide.

Nadzim quoted the example of ketum leaves and its juice which have been banned by the government.

“Despite the medical benefits of ketum, the ban remains in force because of its hallucinatory effects and abuse.

“Consumption of alcohol is forbidden in Islam. However, we do not oppose it to the extent that it should be banned in pubs,” he said.

“From our research, other religions do not condone consuming substances which would result in intoxication or misbehaviour.”

Nadzim said any large-scale festivals or activities should promote the betterment of society.

On Monday, Nadzim was reported as saying the impact of alcohol consumption on society should not be underestimated, adding it affected the health, safety and well-being of the people.

Read more at http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/drink-in-pubs-not-public-places#RTKG88uWcZlMRWKF.99

4064) PPIM praises City Hall for shutting down 'Better Beer Festival' - New Straits Times - 19/8/2017

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Muslim Consumers' Association (PPIM) has lauded Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) for shutting down the planned ‘Better Beer Festival 2017'.

PPIM chief activist Datuk Nadzim Johan said the impact of alcohol on society must never be underestimated.

He said it is important to keep in mind that alcohol and alcohol problems affect the health, safety, and well-being of the people.

“The use of alcohol is associated with an increased risk of injuries and accidents, not to mention numerous medical, psychiatric, social, and family problems.

“Even a single episode of excessive drinking can lead to a negative outcome.

“The image of beer-drinking people does nothing to help our society which, as it, has enough trouble of its own,” he told the NST.

Warning that alcohol consumption can lead to addiction which can be just as dangerous as drug abuse, he said alcohol consumption should not be promoted in any way.

Nadzim was commenting on the decision by DBKL to cancel the event, which was scheduled to be held on October 6 and 7 at the Publika mall in Solaris Dutamas.

Organised by Mybeer (M) Sdn Bhd, the annual Better Beer Festival had been shaping up to become the most anticipated beer festival in the city. The event was supposed to have featured 250 different craft beers from 43 breweries worldwide.

KL Mayor Datuk Seri Mhd Amin Nordin confirmed that DBKL had rejected the application to hold the event.

However, he declined to elaborate on the reasons for the rejection.

In a statement today, DBKL corporate communications director Khalid Zakaria said action will be taken against the organiser if it goes ahead with the event.

He said that the application for the activity at the place, time and date has been rejected by DBKL.

Khalid added that the application was received by DBKL on Aug 28.

The announcement came in the wake of opposition by Pas, which labelled the event as “pesta maksiat” (vice party).

Pas Youth deputy permanent chairman and party central committee member Dr Riduan Mohd Nor had expressed concern that the event would turn KL into the 'largest vice centre in Asia”.

Meanwhile, it was reported that Mybeer had issued a statement expressing its disappointment with the rejection. Mybeer said the cancellation will prove upsetting to its patrons, business partners and sponsors.

The organiser said they were denied the application due to issues with licensing, based on its meeting with DBKL.

Mybeer also said they had been informed that the decision was made due to political sensitivities surrounding the event.

The first Better Beer Festival was held in 2012 at Taps Beer Bar in Changkat Bukit Bintang.