He said the arguments raised, however, were based on personal perceptions that were not substantiated with concrete statistical evidence.

Ng said this is an ongoing issue that has come to the forefront now because of the open dialogues being held by the state to listen to views of the stakeholders.

"The previous state administrations, too, had these discussions and had faced the same issue, but the difference is that discussions were held behind closed doors," he said.

"For the first time in history we are holding an open dialogue involving Muslim groups, assemblymen, executive councillors, breweries, alcohol dealers associations, hypermarkets, retail outlets, Muslims, non-Muslims, alcohol consumers and non-consumers," he said.

"Everyone gets to voice their views and differences in an open forum," Ng said. The media was also allowed to attend the session.

Ng said the fact remains that the arguments put forward to paint a bad picture of alcohol consumers and the ills caused by the sale of alcohol have not been substantiated by statistics and solid figures.

"The arguments raised were all on estimations, views and perceptions, not solid statistics that can convince us of the so-called problems attributed to alcohol consumption," he said.

"We cannot just agree to make changes based on someone’s views or perception."

Ng said the state executive council will discuss the issue and solutions at its next meeting on Wednesday. The state is expected to come up with guidelines on the matter as some local authorities have been imposing a ban on the sale of alcohol including beers and refused renewal of licences to sell alcohol at their whims and fancies.

"To me the issue of a total ban is out of the question," said Ng who spoke at the dialogue about the the need for good parenting and religious foundation for those who are not supposed to consume alcohol so that they are not easily enticed.

In late 2002, the former state administration attempted to ban beer advertisements in eateries and family oriented restaurants. The reason given was that the widespread ads were giving tourists an impression that the country was a haven for boozers. This was seen by many as a bid to outdo PAS in the exertion of Islamic principals in the state.

The move received much criticism and protest from MCA and DAP which represented the Chinese and non-Muslim community who make up 46% of the state's population.

This time around the issue of the sale of alcoholic drinks including beer which is listed as a beverage by retail outlets and 24-hour stores in areas deemed to have a Muslim majority population has become an issue with Muslim groups.

Their argument is that Muslim staff employed by retail outlets like 7-Eleven are made to sell alcohol to customers which goes against the syariah laws.

Concerns were also raised about underaged and Muslim patrons being enticed by the availability of alcohol – an ill that some at the dialogue argued should be addressed by the inculcation of strong spirituality and religious values, instead of infringing on the rights of other communities.