'Timah' whiskey maker mulling name change

This was stated at a hybrid meeting he chaired yesterday, involving several ministers and representatives of the company, Winepak Corporation (M) Sdn Bhd.

Also present at the meeting were Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Idris Ahmad and National Unity Minister Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique.

"Through the discussions held, Winepak Corporation (M) Sdn Bhd has requested a period of one week to discuss with shareholders and its board of directors to change the name and image on the label of their liquor product," Nanta said in a statement today.

He said the hybrid meeting was held in a harmonious environment within the concept of the Malaysian Family to reach a consensus for the good of the country.

Nanta said the government had taken note of and was concerned over the issue surrounding the whiskey's brand name Timah, which had been a topic of discussion on social media since it was launched earlier this month.

The issue of the alcohol product using the 'Timah' brand had stirred controversy because it is said to disregard the sensitivities of the Muslim community in the country.

On Oct 18, Penang Mufti Datuk Seri Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor was reported to have urged the government to instruct the alcoholic beverage company to immediately change the 'Timah' brand as well as the picture on the bottle used in order to preserve harmony among the various races in the country.

On Friday (Oct 22), the Health Ministry's Food Safety and Quality Division (BKKM) said the local alcoholic beverage manufacturer of 'Timah' had not applied for any labelling advice from it, adding that BKKM had not given any approval on labelling.

Nanta said yesterday's discussion was held following a first meeting held between Winepak Corp and the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) on Oct 25.