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
