KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian-made Timah whiskey is now branded as “provocative”, as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Idris Ahmad continues to condemn the liquor producer and reiterated calls for the name to be changed.
The PAS lawmaker urged the local award-winning producer to pick another name as it has sown confusion among Muslims in the country.
Idris also expressed concerns that the use of “Timah” is aimed at normalising drinking alcoholic beverages, especially among Muslims in Malaysia.
“I agree for the name to be changed. Such provocative matters, which can cause confusion, should not happen. Alcohol is haram (for Muslims), regardless of its name.
“What is the meaning behind this name? Are they trying to normalise it? That is what we are really worried about.
“Prophet Muhammad in his hadith mentioned that there will be people who will drink alcohol of various brands,” he said today after attending a Maulidur Rasul celebration in the capital.
Previously, 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.
Although the makers have issued an explanation for the name, it did not stop Idris from lodging a complaint last week with the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) and Home Ministry.
In a brief interview with TV AlHijrah last Saturday, 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.
Today, Idris said that discussions with KPDNHEP will be made as such matters are under the purview of that 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.
Yesterday, Penang mufti Datuk Seri Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor called on the government to instruct the brand’s company to change its branding and the image used on its bottled so as to maintain racial harmony in Malaysia.
Meanwhile, Muslim non-governmental organisation Pertubuhan Kemasyarakatan Rakyat (Pekemas) has called for a probe into KPDNHEP for allegedly approving the name.
“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 said after lodging a report on the matter at the Dang Wangi police headquarters yesterday. – The Vibes, October 19, 2021
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