MIC Youth chief C. Sivarraajh through his non-governmental organisation, UNITY is calling for an alcohol-free Deepavali this year.

Citing a report titled Alcohol Laws in Malaysia (ALIM), he said Deepavali is a religious and an auspicious festival and it is shameful to celebrate such an occasion with alcohol.

The report was carried out by the Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) together with the Health Ministry and University Malaya (UM).

“We are fighting to keep Deepavali alcohol free because research shows Malaysian Indians spent about RM150 million during the festivities,” he told Astro AWANI.

“Not only is money wasted but alcohol brings a lot of miseries to families like broken families, shattered relationships and dysfunctional family institution,” he said.

He said the pilot project was started in schools where the pupils were advised to tell their fathers not to drink during the occasion.

“We have started with 20 Tamil schools nationwide,” he said.

"I have received positive feedback from non-Indians who appreciate our efforts. Our motive is simple. Why drink alcohol during an auspicious festival? Stay away from it as it does not bring any good."

Sivarraajh admitted that the topic was sensitive especially during Deepavali but said something needs to be done about the issue.

“I have received complaints from supporters and friends but we have to do this. We have to start somewhere,” he said.

Meanwhile, Arun Dorasamy, a former MHS Youth leader who was involved in the ALIM report said in a year Indians spend RM750 million on beers and alcohol, excluding those spent illegally.

He said the number could be higher now since the ALIM report was conducted from 2011 until 2014.

“We have also written to all major advertisement companies to disassociate beers and alcohol with Deepavali,” he said when contacted.

The NGO had also launched a competition to record and upload a 60-second video of a greeting for an alcohol-free Deepavali on their Facebook page, Alcohol Free Deepavali 2015.

Three friends should be tagged with the invitation for them to make a video of their own. The winner will received RM500 on the eve on Deepavali.