Drinking Beer In Malaysia: What's The Deal?

Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country and, as such, the sale of alcohol to Muslims is illegal, as is the consumption of alcohol by Muslims in public. However, non-Muslims are allowed to buy and drink alcohol. Licensing laws for the sale of alcohol are regulated by local municipal councils and vary from state to state. In more remote areas, Chinese-Malaysian businesses are more likely to stock alcoholic beverages than others. The legal drinking and purchasing age for alcohol in Malaysia is 21, although this isn't always enforced.

Drinking laws for Muslims and non-Muslims

Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country and, as such, has some strict rules surrounding alcohol. While the consumption of alcohol is generally prohibited for Muslims in the country, Malaysia's laws forbid Muslims from drinking alcohol and non-Muslims are free to do so.

Drinking Laws for Muslims

Malaysia's sharia law forbids Muslims from drinking alcohol. Alcohol is mostly banned for Muslims in the states of Kelantan and Terengganu. However, it is important to note that some Muslims still choose to drink, and a minority of Muslims believe that consuming alcohol is not forbidden by the Quran.

Drinking Laws for Non-Muslims

In Malaysia, non-Muslims are permitted to consume alcohol. The legal drinking age for purchasing alcohol is 21 and above. Licensing laws for the sale of alcohol are regulated by local municipal councils and vary across the country. Major tourist and metropolitan hubs, such as Kuala Lumpur, generally have a more concentrated availability of retail alcohol sales. Chinese-Malaysian businesses are also more likely to stock alcoholic beverages. Licensed establishments, from neighbourhood minimarts to five-star hotels, will carry retail selections of beer, wine, and spirits.

Cultural Sensitivities

It is important for travellers to Malaysia to be aware of the rules surrounding alcohol and to respect the cultural sensitivities of the country's Muslim population. While non-Muslims are allowed to consume alcohol, it is advisable to use common sense and discretion when doing so, particularly in more remote areas.

Where to buy beer in Malaysia

Although Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country, the consumption and sale of alcohol to non-Muslims is permitted by law. Licensing laws for the sale of alcohol are regulated by local municipal councils and vary from state to state.

If you're looking to buy beer in Malaysia, your best bet is to head to major tourist and metropolitan hubs such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Baru, and Melaka, which have a more concentrated availability of retail alcohol sales. In these cities, you'll find licensed establishments, from neighbourhood minimarts to five-star hotels, carrying retail selections of beer. However, in more remote areas, you may have better luck finding alcoholic beverages at Chinese-Malaysian businesses, such as Chinese restaurants and supermarkets, which are often exempt from alcohol bans. This is particularly true in the northeastern states of Kelantan and Terengganu, where alcohol can be harder to come by and may be more expensive.

When purchasing alcohol in Malaysia, it's important to keep in mind that the country has one of the highest alcohol taxes in the world, which can result in higher prices for alcoholic beverages. Additionally, the legal drinking age in Malaysia is 21 years old, and the legal limit for alcohol while driving is strictly enforced, with penalties for drunk driving including fines or imprisonment.

If you're looking for a traditional local brew, you may come across tuak, a rice wine made from fermented rice, and toddy, made from the sap of the flower of the coconut tree. These drinks are commonly used for festivals and special occasions and are not intended for inebriation; however, some Muslims may consume them.

Drinking laws by state

Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country, and the sale of alcohol to Muslims and the consumption of alcohol by Muslims are illegal. However, non-Muslims are allowed to buy and consume alcohol. Licensing laws for the sale of alcohol are regulated by local municipal councils and vary from state to state. Major tourist hubs and metropolitan areas like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Baru, and Melaka generally have a more concentrated availability of retail alcohol sales. In contrast, more remote areas, particularly the northeastern states like Kelantan and Terengganu, have stricter regulations, and alcohol may be harder to come by. Chinese restaurants and supermarkets are more likely to sell alcohol in these regions.

Licensed establishments, from neighbourhood minimarts to five-star hotels, will carry retail selections of beer, wine, and spirits. Still, depending on the area, the supply might be kept out of immediate sight, and you may need to inquire discreetly. Most Muslim-owned restaurants do not serve alcohol, but some may allow customers to bring their own for personal use, mainly in touristy regions.

The legal drinking and purchasing age for alcohol in Malaysia is 21 and above. However, enforcement of this law is inconsistent, and some establishments may have different minimum age requirements. Some clubs in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, for example, enforce a minimum age of 21, 25, or even 26 for ladies and up to 30 for men.

The Malaysian government has designated the islands of Tioman, Langkawi, and Labuan as duty-free, which extends to alcohol, cigarettes, chocolates, and electronics. Despite this, alcohol prices on these islands can still be high due to the country's high alcohol tax, the third highest worldwide at 15%.

While Malaysia has a rich history of brewing and consuming traditional alcoholic drinks like tuak (rice wine) and tapai, the high tax on alcohol has led to an increase in the price of alcoholic beverages. This has, in turn, driven some drinkers to turn to unsafe, smuggled alcohol from neighbouring countries. In 2018, around 45 people died in Malaysia's worst methanol poisoning incident, involving the consumption of cheap, fake liquors acquired from the country's black market.

Drinking laws for tourists

Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country, and as such, alcohol availability and consumption are regulated. While Malaysian law forbids Muslims from consuming alcohol, non-Muslims are free to do so.

• Licensing laws for the sale of alcohol are regulated by local municipal councils and vary from state to state.
• Major tourist hubs like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Baru, and Melaka have a more concentrated availability of retail alcohol sales.
• In more remote areas, Chinese-Malaysian businesses are more likely to stock alcoholic beverages.
• In the northeastern states of Kelantan and Terengganu, alcohol may be harder to come by, and prices tend to be higher. Chinese restaurants and supermarkets are the best places to look for alcohol in these states.
• Licensed establishments, from minimarts to five-star hotels, will carry beer, wine, and spirits. However, in some areas, the supply may be kept out of immediate sight, and you may need to inquire discreetly.
• Most Muslim-owned restaurants do not serve alcohol, but some may allow customers to bring their own for personal use, especially in touristy regions.
• The government has designated the islands of Tioman, Langkawi, and Labuan as duty-free, which includes alcohol. However, alcohol prices on these islands may still be high.
• Traditional local alcoholic drinks include tuak, made from fermented rice, and toddy, made from the sap of the coconut tree flower. These drinks are used for festivals and special occasions and are not intended for inebriation; some Muslims may consume them.
• The legal drinking age in Malaysia is 21 years old.
• The legal limit for alcohol while driving is 80 milligrams per decilitre or 100 millilitres. Drunk driving can result in fines or imprisonment.
• Alcohol is generally available in pubs and supermarkets in big cities.
• If visiting smaller islands, your resort may have a limited alcohol selection, so you may want to bring your own.
• Pubs and nightspots should officially close by 1 am nationwide, but some places in Kuala Lumpur stay open later.

History of beer in Malaysia

The history of beer in Malaysia can be traced back to the early 1500s when the Portuguese colonised Malacca for 130 years. It is speculated that the Portuguese, with their long brewing history, brought beer with them to Southeast Asia. However, any beer brought by the Europeans would likely have turned sour by the time it reached the Malay lands due to the hot weather and lack of preservation technology at the time.

In the late 1820s, during the Straits Settlements under British control, brewer George Hodgson created an ale that was more resistant to spoilage by increasing its alcohol and hop content. This ale, known as Hodgson's Indian Ale or "pale ale", could be exported to British colonies in Southeast Asia, including the Federated Malay States, which became a crown colony in 1867.

In the 1900s, under British rule, the free trade policy encouraged trade with Europe, leading to the availability of various beer labels in Malaya. One notable European brewery that entered the market was the Danish company Carlsberg, which exported its beers to Asia, with Malaya being one of its destinations starting in 1903.

The first brewery in the region was established in neighbouring Singapore in 1931. Malayan Breweries Limited (now Asia Pacific Breweries), in partnership with Fraser and Neave and Heineken from Holland, began brewing Tiger Beer in 1932. Archipelago Brewery, the first commercial brewery in Singapore, was also established in the same year, producing a German label called Becks. However, it was shut down by the British in 1941 due to its German associations.

After World War II, during the Malayan Emergency, Australian war correspondent John Grigsby obtained supplies of Australian beer for the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, in Malaya. His photos of troops holding ice-cold beer attracted the attention of Australian breweries, who began shipping their beer to Malaya.

In 1964, Guinness Malaysia Limited was incorporated, and in 1965, it set up a brewery in Malaysia to oversee the production and maintain the quality of Guinness beer in the country. In 1968, Guinness Malaysia Limited merged with Malayan Breweries (Malaya) Sdn Bhd to form Guinness Anchor Berhad (GAB), marking the beginning of alcohol production in Malaysia.

In 1969, the same year Singapore was expelled from Malaysia, Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Berhad was incorporated, and they built a brewery in Shah Alam, near Kuala Lumpur. It took them two years to construct, and in 1972, they sold their first locally brewed Green Label beer in Malaysia.

In 1970, Carlsberg established its first brewery outside of Kuala Lumpur, and together with GAB, they became the only two legal commercial breweries in Malaysia, dominating the beer and stout market in the country.

In 2005, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced that no more brewing licenses would be issued in Malaysia. However, in 2007, a surprise grant was given to Napex Brewery Sdn Bhd, allowing them to brew beer for pubs in the country. A new local brand called Jaz entered the market, along with a German brew called Starker.

In 2008, Luen Heng Sdn Bhd partnered with Carlsberg to import more international commercial and craft beers into Malaysia. The following year, craft beer bars began to emerge in Klang Valley, introducing Malaysians to a wider range of beer choices.

In 2010, the first Oktoberfest in Malaysia was organised by GAB, featuring imported German beer Paulaner.

In 2012, Ales & Lagers became the first craft beer retail store in Malaysia, and various beer festivals were held in the country, including the first craft beer festival organised by Taps Beer Bar.

In 2022, Malaysia finally had its own craft beer brand, PaperKite, which also won the World Beer Awards in 2023, a significant milestone for the country's burgeoning craft beer culture.

Frequently asked questions