Malaysia

CAP slams local producers for naming whiskey ‘Timah’

Authorities urged to come clean on issue, ban controversial drink 

Updated 2 years ago · Published on 17 Oct 2021 8:36PM

CAP slams local producers for naming whiskey ‘Timah’
The Consumers Association of Penang has called out Malaysia’s award-winning double peated whiskey, Timah, as un-Islamic and an affront to consumers. –  Pic courtesy of Timah, October 17, 2021

by Ian McIntyre

GEORGE TOWN – Malaysia’s award-winning double peated whiskey, Timah, is now embroiled in controversy after the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) called out the brand name as un-Islamic and an affront to consumers because it promotes alcoholism.

CAP senior education officer N.V. Subbarow described its advertising gimmick as uncalled for by displaying a long-bearded man with a skull cap resembling a religious person.

He slammed relevant authorities for approving the product to be sold in the country despite the drink having garnered international recognition already.

“Aside from containing alcohol, CAP does not understand how such a brand name and image, which would trigger an uproar among the people, are allowed in the first place.

“The brand name ‘Timah’ insults the Muslim community as it resembles a Malay Muslim name shortened from the name Fatimah," said Subbarow in a statement.

The Malaysian-brewed distilled whiskey is sold at RM190 per bottle and contains 40% alcohol.

With such high alcohol content, Subbarow feared its effect on consumers.

“We are calling for the government to come clean on the issue. We urge the relevant authorities to ban the product immediately,” he said.

Based on Timah’s official Facebook page, its producers have since clarified that the usage of the name Timah for its whiskey is referring to the Malayan tin mining exploits before the metal expired as a major commodity for the country in the 1970s.

Timah in Bahasa Melayu means “tin”, a soft silvery-white metal ore, and Malaysia was once a major producer of the commodity.

“Timah is to be enjoyed by non-Muslims above the legal alcohol purchasing age,” the company said on its Facebook post. –  The Vibes, October 17, 2021

Related News

Malaysia / 1w

CAP calls for action against traders using inaccurate weighing scales

Malaysia / 2mth

Grow your own vegetables, CAP tell M’sians as market prices shoot up

Malaysia / 3mth

CAP urges inquiry into Penang factory collapse

Food / 1y

Rethinking tradition: how to make this year’s festive menu greener

Malaysia / 1y

Plenty of fish in the sea? Think again, says CAP

Malaysia / 1y

CAP activist, dedicated consumer advocate Uma Ramaswamy succumbs to cancer

Spotlight

Events

UK alumni lauded for stellar achievements as British Council observes 75 years in Malaysia

Malaysia

Don’t let politicians, activists stir up hatred against KK Mart, PBK tells cops

By The Vibes Team

Malaysia

7.7 mil people registered in Padu, 2.5 mil cyberattacks, but not one success: Rafizi

By Stephen Then

Malaysia

Farewell Aunty Bersih, you will be missed

By Ian McIntyre

Malaysia

Couple make two trips to workshop to find trapped kitten in car

Malaysia

KK Mart founder, director charged with wounding religious feelings of others over 'Allah' socks

By The Vibes Team

You may be interested

Malaysia

Sabah assistant minister invites Rafizi to work together on poverty eradication

By Jason Santos

Malaysia

Muhyiddin files for leave to review Court of Appeal ruling reinstating power abuse charges

Malaysia

Geologist pleads guilty to unlawfully ferrying gold residue

By Jason Santos

Malaysia

Speed limit at George Town World Heritage Site reduced to 40 km/h

By Shahrim Tamrin

Malaysia

Food wastage, growing population major causes of global food shortage

By Ian McIntyre

Malaysia

DOSM opens 300 extra counters as Padu registration deadline approaches

Malaysia

Padu: No need for excessive information unrelated to one’s financial status, says Abang Jo

By The Vibes Team

Malaysia

Attacks by minority groups on govt policies need to be curbed - Ahmad Zahid