In Malaysia, we are able to live alongside one another regardless of religion or race. However, there are still some religious no-nos that one has to be aware of.
One of them is that Muslims cannot come near alcohol beverages as it’s considered haram in Islam. However, it has also created a quandary for Muslim workers who work at shops that sell alcohol.
JAKIM looking into vending machines for alcohol drinks
During the Parliament session today, Pulai MP Suhaizan Kalat asked whether the government had any plans to introduce a mechanism that prevents Muslim workers from handling alcohol, reported Malaysiakini.
He added that he was concerned to see Muslims working at convenience stores that sell alcohol and proposed that the Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) engage with local authorities in setting up vending machines specially for alcoholic drinks.
This is so that the Muslim workers would not have to directly sell or hand alcoholic beverages to customers,” he said.
In response, deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs) Zulkifli Hasan said JAKIM will look into the proposal.
“We really appreciate the idea raised by YB Pulai and we will try to bring it for discussion at relevant platforms,” he said.
Zulkifli also added that JAKIM also actively helps Muslims who wish to exit from industries that sell alcohol.
“We do so by providing them with temporary financial assistance through zakat centres and state religious councils until they can get more appropriate employment through several programmes,” he said.
What do you think of the vending machine proposal? Let us know in the comments!
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