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
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