The collective decision to prevent the increase in drunk driving case in the city has gotten Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL)to freeze all applications for new liquor licenses with immediate effect.

Malaysia has been witnessing an unexpected rise in accident cases related to drink driving lately that has prompted Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to declare the issue, a deep concern. In response  DBKL’s Licensing & Petty Traders Development Department in a statement today said that enforcement action would be taken against any premises found to be selling liquor without a licence.

Yesterday, Federal Territories Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa called for the government to stop the issuing of liquor licenses until new guidelines were in place and laws revised. Transport Ministry is currently working on an amendment to existing law that will bring harsher punishment to drunk drivers who cause serious accidents.

During MCO, retail outlets were allowed to sell liquor and many shops reported drinks selling out within the first weeks of the lockdown. While many bars and entertainment venues are still not allowed to open, those that have dining license but serve liquor have started operation. DBKL’s latest move could tempt other states to follow suit, who are watching this closely. Bar operators who have been suffering for the last 4 months could see this as the death knell to their already beleaguered business.