Come Dec 1, 2017, the sale of alcoholic beverages will be restricted to people above 21 years of age from the current 18, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said Wednesday.
He also said that the amended Food Regulations 1985 required that alcoholic beverages for sale be displayed in cabinets or racks separate from those for other food, and all the alcoholic drinks must carry the label "Drinking Alcohol Is Injurious to Health".
The amended regulations were gazetted on May 27, he said, adding that the amendments were in keeping with the Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol whereby Ministers of Health agreed at the World Health Assembly 2010 to reduce the availability of alcoholic beverages in the market.
Speaking at a press conference, Dr Subramaniam said the amendments also involved the existing Regulation 361 on the General Standard for Alcoholic Beverages and the new Regulation 386A on Compounded Hard Liquor.
Dr Subramaniam said failure to adhere to the regulations constituted an offence that carried a penalty of a maximum RM10,000 fine or a jail term of up to two years.
Elaborating on Regulation 386A, Dr Subramaniam said it was aimed at controlling the availability of compounded hard liquor produced from a mixture of two or more alcoholic beverages that could be easily bought at drug stores, grocery stores and coffee shops for as low as RM5.
"CHL is a major social issue in low-income communities. As such, the new regulation stipulates that CHL products can only be allowed to be sold in glass bottles with a minimum volume of 700ml," he said.
Dr Subramaniam said that failure to comply with Regulation 386A pertaining to CHL was an offence that carried a penalty of a maximum fine of RM5,000 or a jail term of up to two years.
He also said that the Health Ministry had discussed the amended regulations with representatives of the industry.
Bernama
Wed Jun 01 2016
Dr Subramaniam said that failure to comply with Regulation 386A pertaining to CHL was an offence that carried a penalty of a maximum fine of RM5,000 or a jail term of up to two years.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.