Timah maker asks govt for time to thrash out name, label change

KUALA LUMPUR – The producer of the controversial whiskey brand Timah, Winepak Corporation Sdn Bhd, has appealed to the authorities for a one-week period to discuss changing the name and image on the label of the bottle with the company’s shareholders and board of directors.

In a statement today, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said it was informed of the matter following a meeting between the government and company representatives.

Nanta said the meeting, which he chaired yesterday, was also attended by Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa, Religious Affairs Minister Idris Ahmad and National Unity Minister Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique.

The meeting also saw the participation of KPDNHEP secretary-general Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad, Energy and Natural Resources Ministry (KeTSA) deputy secretary-general Abdul Wahid Abu Salim and Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) director-general Abdul Haris Lakar.

“The hybrid meeting was conducted in a harmonious manner in line with the Keluarga Malaysia concept aimed at reaching a mutual understanding for the benefit of the nation.

“The meeting was also a follow-up meeting that was conducted between Winepak and MyIPO following the first meeting on October 25,” he said.

Nanta said KPDNHEP, through MyIPO, will improve its procedures, involving several ministries and agencies, so that similar incidents will not recur.

“I hope all parties will be understanding in providing the government the opportunity to seek a reasonable solution for all parties,” he added.

Previously, Timah’s maker had said the brand’s name is the Malay word for tin, harking back to the tin-mining era during British colonial times.  

Although its makers have issued an explanation for the name, it did not stop Idris from lodging a complaint last week with KPDNHEP and the Home Ministry.   

In a brief interview with TV AlHijrah last week, 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. 

Idris said that discussions with KPDNHEP will be made as such matters are under the purview of the ministry.  

Advertisements for the whiskey made the rounds on social media after it was launched virtually on October 7, but it has been around for a few years.

Timah detractors have taken to social media, alleging the name is a traditional Muslim one – Fatimah. – The Vibes, October 28, 2021