Kuala Lumpur's Alcohol Laws: Beer And Liquor Buying

Alcohol is available for purchase in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, despite it being a Muslim-majority country. The federal territory of Kuala Lumpur has the highest alcohol consumption in the country. Alcohol is available at grocery stores, speciality shops, and online delivery services. However, it is important to note that alcohol is generally prohibited for Muslim consumers in Malaysia due to Sharia law. Additionally, the legal drinking age in Malaysia is 21 years old and above.

Alcohol is available in Kuala Lumpur, despite it being a Muslim-majority country

Alcohol is widely available in Kuala Lumpur, despite Malaysia being a Muslim-majority country. The country permits the sale of alcohol to non-Muslims, and Kuala Lumpur has the highest alcohol consumption in Malaysia.

There are many physical stores and supermarkets that sell alcohol, including Isetan, Jusco, Cold Storage, Mercato, and more. There are also alcohol delivery services that will bring alcohol directly to your doorstep, such as Albert Wines & Spirits, Boozeat, Cellar 18, and Drinkies.

The legal drinking age in Malaysia is 21, and the legal limit for alcohol while driving is 80 milligrams per decilitre or 100 millilitres. Alcohol prices in Kuala Lumpur are generally higher than in the UK due to higher excise and customs duties, and there may be restrictions on the purchase of alcohol after 9 pm.

Alcohol is generally prohibited for Muslims in Malaysia due to Sharia law

Alcohol is widely available for purchase in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's federal territory with the highest alcohol consumption in the country. However, it is essential to note that alcohol is generally prohibited for Muslims in Malaysia due to Sharia law.

Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country, but it permits the sale of alcohol to non-Muslims. There are no nationwide alcohol bans, except in the states of Kelantan and Terengganu, which apply solely to Muslims. The Islamic party respects the rights of non-Muslims, and non-Muslim establishments like Chinese restaurants and grocery shops are excluded from such bans.

The tradition of brewing and consuming alcoholic drinks in Malaysia has a long history, especially in the island of Borneo, where indigenous communities have traditionally made and consumed rice wine for communal gatherings and festivals. However, alcohol consumption in the Malay Peninsula has decreased since the introduction of Islam.

Today, Kuala Lumpur has a thriving alcohol industry, with various breweries, pubs, and vendors selling alcoholic beverages. The city also offers convenient alcohol delivery services, providing a wide range of options for those who prefer to enjoy their drinks at home. These services offer a diverse selection of alcoholic beverages, including wine, beer, spirits, and liquor, ensuring that adults of legal drinking age in Kuala Lumpur have easy access to alcohol.

While alcohol is readily available in Kuala Lumpur, it is important to remember that Muslim consumers in Malaysia generally abstain from alcohol due to Sharia law, which forbids Muslims from consuming alcoholic beverages.

Kuala Lumpur has the highest alcohol consumption in Malaysia

Alcohol is generally prohibited for Muslim consumers in Malaysia, as the country's sharia law forbids Muslims from drinking alcohol. However, Malaysia permits the selling of alcohol to non-Muslims. There are no nationwide alcohol bans, except in Kelantan and Terengganu, which apply only to Muslims. Kuala Lumpur, a major tourist and metropolitan hub, has the highest alcohol consumption in the country, followed by the states of Sarawak and Sabah.

The legal drinking age in Malaysia is 21 and above, and the legal limit for alcohol while driving is 80 milligrams per decilitre or 100 millilitres. The country has strict licensing laws for the sale of alcohol, but it is still relatively easy to purchase alcoholic beverages in Kuala Lumpur. Many licensed establishments, including neighbourhood minimarts, hotels, and restaurants, offer a retail selection of beer, wine, and spirits. Even some Muslim-owned restaurants allow customers to bring in alcohol for personal use, especially in touristy regions.

The drinking culture in Kuala Lumpur is quite diverse. Beer is the most popular alcoholic beverage, making up 76% of the total alcohol consumption. Spirits follow at 22%, while wine accounts for only 2%. The city also has a variety of traditional alcoholic drinks, such as arak, toddy, samsu, and tuak, which are popular among different communities.

Kuala Lumpur offers a range of options for alcohol enthusiasts, from well-known brands to artisanal spirits. The city's vibrant nightlife and diverse cultural scene contribute to its high alcohol consumption. Additionally, the availability of online alcohol delivery services in Kuala Lumpur has made it even more convenient for residents and tourists to access their favourite drinks without leaving their homes.

Alcohol is available in grocery stores, specialist shops, and online

Alcohol is widely available in Kuala Lumpur, and you can buy it from grocery stores, specialist shops, and online.

Most grocery stores in Kuala Lumpur have a liquor section, including Isetan, Jusco, Cold Storage, and Mercato. Alcohol is also available at Jaya Grocer Online, which offers free delivery for orders above RM50. Cold Storage in KLCC stocks wines and champagnes, and the Isetan supermarket in KLCC sells alcohol.

Specialist shops in Kuala Lumpur include Albert Wines & Spirits, which delivers a wide range of wines and spirits, and Harrisons Wine Shop on Jalan 222 in Petaling Jaya. There is also a wine stockist on Jalan Sultan Ismail, diagonally opposite Menara Genesis.

Online alcohol delivery services in Kuala Lumpur include Whisky.my, which delivers wine, beer, and liquor to your doorstep, and Boozeat, which offers a selection of beer, wine, and spirits, as well as food and desserts. Other online retailers include Cellar 18, Drinkies, Farmer's Bar, Kanpai Malaysia, and SB Wines.

Alcohol is more expensive in Malaysia than in the UK

The high tax rate on alcohol in Malaysia is a result of the country's Muslim-majority population, where alcohol consumption is considered haram (prohibited or sinful). While Malaysia permits the sale of alcohol to non-Muslims, the government has implemented heavy taxes on alcoholic drinks to discourage consumption among the Muslim population. This has resulted in higher prices for beer, wine, and spirits, making it more costly for drinkers in the country.

In Kuala Lumpur, the federal territory of Malaysia, alcohol consumption is the highest in the country. The city offers a wide range of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and liquor, through various licensed establishments such as restaurants, bars, and retail shops. However, due to the high taxes, alcohol prices in Kuala Lumpur are notably higher than in other parts of the country.

The cost of alcohol in Kuala Lumpur can vary depending on the type of beverage and the establishment. Wine tends to be one of the most expensive drinks, while beer is relatively more affordable, with some outlets offering promotions like "5 for 4" deals. Online alcohol delivery services have also gained popularity in Kuala Lumpur, providing convenient access to a variety of alcoholic beverages, including craft beers, spirits, and wines. These delivery services offer a range of local and imported alcohol brands, catering to different preferences and budgets.

While the high taxes on alcohol in Malaysia have made it more expensive than in the UK, it is important to note that the overall cost of living in Malaysia is significantly lower. Even in Kuala Lumpur, which is one of the most expensive cities in the country, expenses are still lower compared to major cities in the US or the UK. Therefore, while alcohol may be pricier in Kuala Lumpur, other living costs help balance out the overall expenses for residents and tourists.

Frequently asked questions