Malaysia raises minimum age for alcohol consumption to 21

Illustrative image (Source: VNA)

Kuala Lumpur (VNA) - Malaysia on October 17 raised the minimum age to purchase alcohol to 21 from 18 and the decision took effect immediately.

Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said alcohol beverage sellers must now also display the notice “Drink­ing alcohol can endanger health” at the entrance of their business premises.

A similar warning label is also required to be displayed on all alcoholic drink product labels.

Vendors will also need to display the age limit sign barring those aged below 21 from purchasing alcohol at sales counters.

Failure to adhere to the amended Regulation 361, and the new Regu­lation 386A, regarding Compounded Hard Liquor (CHL) will result in a fine not exceeding 10,000 ringgit (around 2,500 USD) or jail not exceeding two years, if convicted.

Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country, therefore, regulations on alcoholic drinks and cigarettes are tightened. Prices of alcoholic drinks and cigarettes in Malaysia are often two-three times as expensive as those in its neighbouring nations.-VNA