KUCHING: Treasurer of DAPSY (Sarawak), Wong King Yii has called on public officers to exercise their authority with responsibility and common sense following recent confusion over liquor possession laws.
He was referring to a statement by a senior Customs officer who claimed that keeping more than 30 bottles of liquor at home could amount to an offence, a remark that was later corrected by Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying.
“I thank Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying for her swift action in clarifying the position of the law and preventing further confusion among the public. Her prompt response has provided much-needed assurance and underscores the importance of accuracy in public communication,” Wong said.
He expressed concern that the officer had gone further to suggest that every receipt for intoxicating liquor must be kept for at least seven years.
“This is clearly impractical and preposterous. What if the liquor was received as a gift, or inherited from one’s parents or relatives? Ordinary citizens cannot be expected to keep proof of purchase for items that may have been in the family for decades,” he stressed.
Wong emphasised that public service must be guided not just by the letter of the law, but also by its spirit and practical common sense.
“Instead of rigid or unrealistic interpretations, officers should provide clarity and assurance to the public. The law must exist to give certainty not to cause anxiety,” he added.
Calling for stronger internal training and clearer guidelines, Wong urged the Ministry of Finance and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department to issue public advisories where necessary to avoid similar confusion in the future.
“Malaysia cannot afford a public service where senior officers misinterpret laws and issue statements that mislead the people. Ministers and department heads must take responsibility to ensure that all public communications are accurate, professional, and reflective of the law,” he said.
“The public deserve clarity, not confusion. Authority is not a licence for overreach, but a responsibility to serve the people with fairness and humility,” Wong added.
By Connie Chieng