KUCHING – Parti Bumi Kenyalang president Voon Lee Shan has urged the federal government to return all liquor tax revenues collected from Sabah and Sarawak, arguing that such income contradicts Islamic principles upheld by Putrajaya. In a statement, Voon said drinking is widely accepted in East Malaysia, especially during festive celebrations, unlike in Peninsular Malaysia where many NGOs and activists oppose alcohol consumption.
alcohol taxes
He noted that the 2026 budget’s tax hikes on liquor and cigarettes were justified by the government as promoting healthy living, but questioned the moral consistency of collecting revenue from what is considered haram in Islam. “If the federal government is run on Islamic morality, then it should not benefit from what is haram,” Voon said, adding that returning the taxes would be fair to Sabahans and Sarawakians who view drinking as part of their cultural tradition.
Table of Contents
Read More News on Latest Malaysia
Follow us on:
Read More News on Business News Malaysia
Read More News on SG Business News
Read More News on World Future TV
