KUALA LUMPUR – Muslim non-governmental organisation Pertubuhan Kemasyarakatan Rakyat (Pekemas) has called for a probe into the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) for allegedly approving the name of local award-winning whiskey brand Timah.
Its president Faizan Mohd Nor said the approval granted has sown confusion among Muslims in Malaysia.
“The use of ‘Timah’ appears to be an insult to Muslims as the child of Prophet Muhammad was named Fatimah, and the launch of the product was close to the Maulidur Rasul (Prophet’s birthday) celebrations this month.
“As we know, Islam is the official religion of the Federation. The sensitivities of Muslims must be protected to avoid racial tensions in Malaysia,” he told reporters after lodging a report on the matter at the Dang Wangi police headquarters today.
Pekemas also filed a report against the brand’s producers, alleging that Winepak Corporation has offended Muslim sensitivities.
Faizan demanded that the authorities also investigate the firm’s directors Gilbert Yeo and Kenny Yeo.
He said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Idris Ahmad, who has advocated an alcohol ban in the country, should be roped in.
The NGO called for Timah to be taken off the market, saying it may encourage youth to consume alcohol, leading to a social problem in the Muslim community.
Faizan said he learnt about the whiskey’s launch via a Facebook Live session marking its official release on October 7.
On Saturday, Idris lodged complaints with KPDNHEP and the Home Ministry.
In an interview with TV Al Hijrah the same day, he confirmed that reports have been lodged with the two ministries, calling for an investigation.
“We have been consistent. We don’t agree with this,” he was quoted as saying.
PAS Syura Ulama Council member Datuk Mahfodz Mohamed told The Vibes that alcohol companies should not use product names that could confuse Muslims, and that “Timah” is one such name.
This is in light of the government being unable to ban alcohol because Malaysia has non-Muslim residents, he said.
“But, they shouldn’t use Muslim names in their products that can confuse the Muslim community. I would prefer it if the names used are not confusing, because it will appear as if the product is for Muslims. It’s confusing for the community.”
Timah’s makers have said the brand’s name is the Malay word for tin, harking back to the tin-mining era during British colonial times.
“The man on our bottle, Capt Speedy (British explorer Tristram Charles Sawyer Speedy), was one of the men who introduced the whiskey culture back then. We do not intend for our name to stir controversy.
“Any interpretation of our name unrelated to Malaysian tin mining is false. Timah is meant to be enjoyed by non-Muslims of the legal age to purchase alcohol.” – The Vibes, October 18, 2021
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