The minimum legal drinking age varies by country. As such, there has been a lot of debate on whether having a higher drinking age will reduce drunken drinking deaths.
In Malaysia, the official minimum drinking age for public is 18 (with licensed areas for purchase). However, in a recent report by The Malay Mail Online, the minimum age for alcohol consumption may raise to 21.
The report is based on a filing to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) today.
However, it didn’t state when the change would take place. The decision to raise the drinking age was said to be part of a strategy aiming to prohibit underage drinking and control the accessibility of alcohol to high risk groups. It also said that Malaysia plans to warn the public about the effect of alcohol products on health through additional labelling laws.
Other members of the globall trading body are invited to comment on Malaysia’s plans within the next 60 days.
Though Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country, alcohol is available nationwide. It is home to Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd and Guinness Anchor Bhd (GAB).
According to the Confederation of Malaysian Brewers Berhad, there was an 11% increase in quarterly profits for Carlsberg on Monday. Guinness Anchor Bhd is widely available and consumed by an estimated 3.5 million of the nearly 30 million population.
Despite having one of Asia’s highest excise taxes on alcohol, the alcohol consumption has been relatively steady.
Last year, Malaysia exported spirits worth USD269 million, mainly to Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand. The country also exported beer worth USD156 million, mainly to Singapore and Thailand.
What do you think of Malaysia’s plans to raise the legal drinking age? Do you think the legal drinking age should stay at 18? Share your thoughts in the comments box below.
Source: The Malay Mail Online via Reuters.
