Pros and cons of alcohol ban in Port Dickson's public spaces

The Star

2 days ago

SEREMBAN: Negri Sembilan's ban on the consumption of alcoholic beverages in some public places has received backing, but the prohibition along Port Dickson's beaches has kicked up a row.
National Indian Crime Prevention Society (ICPS) president Datuk Ignatius Lourdsamy, who gave his support, described the ban as progressive and necessary in the interest of public safety and community well-being.
'Over the years, ICPS has received numerous reports and complaints about disruptive and unsafe behaviour from alcohol consumption in public areas affecting children, women, senior citizens and families trying to enjoy some peace in the outdoors.
'By curbing alcohol use in these spaces, the state is taking a firm stance against public nuisance, potential criminal activity and vandalism,' he said.
MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng (pic) however felt the ban 'violated the spirit of diversity' and harmed tourism.
'Which foreign tourist will come if he or she may be fined just for having a drink at the beach. This is not welcoming of tourists,' he said.
Urging the state government to review the policy, he pointed out that Visit Malaysia 2026 was approaching with federal authorities working hard to attract international tourists.
Former Chuah assemblyman Datuk Michael Yek Diew Ching described the ban on alcohol at beaches and open spaces as a shortcut solution.
'Bad behaviour, littering and public disorder should be dealt with targeted enforcement and not a blanket ban.
'Why not increase patrols, issue fines and take other measures to ensure the culprits are held responsible?' he asked.
A Port Dickson resident who wished to be known as Patrick said he was swarmed with text messages from friends in other states mocking the blanket ban.
'My friends and I gather at the beach for barbecues at least once every six months, during which we will drink alcohol, but responsibly and always clean up before leaving.
'With the ban, they'll probably stop coming to PD because we can't afford to pay for drinks at hotels or other beachfront establishments,' he lamented.
Another individual said the ban at beaches would be all right if enforced after certain hours.
'Ban it, say from 10pm to 10am like in some places abroad,' he added.
State local government development, housing and transport committee chairman J. Arul Kumar maintained that the ban along Port Dickson's public beaches was necessary.
However, he said hotels, resorts, private clubs, cafes and restaurants there can continue to serve alcoholic drinks.
'We had no choice but to impose the ban on public beaches as irresponsible individuals leave trash, which gives a bad image,' he said, adding that broken bottles also posed a hazard to beachgoers.
'The area is packed with people exercising and engaging in recreation during the day but some gather at night to drink and leave a mess,' he added.
On Wednesday, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun announced the ban on the consumption of alcoholic beverages in public recreational spaces such as parks, playgrounds, fields and beaches with immediate effect.
Enforcement will be conducted by local authorities and police, with a maximum fine of RM2,000.