Beer in Malaysia

Canned and bottle beer in 7-Eleven market in Malaysia.

Beer production in Malaysia a truly Malaysian favourite since 1933 with Anchor Beer (Pilsner) which was birthed from a Europe recipe. This champion beer has won many international awards but still tastes the same at your neighborhood coffee shop.

In staying true to its identity as a local brand, years later two leading breweries, Guinness and Malayan Breweries, merged to form a new company known as Guinness Anchor Berhad. Previously, the distribution of beer in Malaysia is mainly distributed by Malayan Breweries Limited which is centred in neighbouring Singapore. ^[1] Carlsberg established its second brewery outside Kuala Lumpur in 1970. ^[2]

Malaysia's pride Anchor beer was originally owned by the Archipelago Brewing Company before being acquired by Malayan Breweries Ltd in 1941. Malayan Breweries later merged with Guinness to form Guinness Anchor Berhad in 1989, which was eventually renamed Heineken Malaysia Berhad in 2016.

By 2007, one local brewery began to establish their presence in the country although the demands for commercial beers are much higher than a new local brand. ^[1] Most beers in the Malaysian markets are imported from neighbouring countries such as Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam. In 2022, Malaysia had its very own craft beer brand known as PaperKite. ^[3] PaperKite is also the first Malaysian craft beer brand to win the World Beer Awards in 2023. ^{[4] [5]}

Regulation

As Malaysia is a Muslim majority country like its neighbours of Brunei and Indonesia, Muslim consumers are prohibited from buying and drinking alcohol related drinks including beer. ^[6] Any Muslims caught drinking alcohol in public places especially in West Malaysia will be caned and fined. ^{[7] [8]}

However, no canings have been conducted since 2010 as the punishment has been replaced with a three-week community service at a children's home. ^{[9] [10] [11]}

See also

• Beer portal
• Malaysia portal

• Alcohol in Malaysia
• Beer and breweries by region

References

1. Cheang, Michael (17 October 2015). "6 things you need to know about beer in Malaysia". The Star. Retrieved 16 January 2020.
2. Jernigan, David H; K Indran, Saroja. "Country Profile on Alcohol in Malaysia" (PDF). Asia Pacific Alcohol Policy Alliance. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 October 2016. Retrieved 26 October 2016.
3. Cheang, Michael. "This Malaysian-made craft beer is ready to soar". The Star. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
4. Cheang, Michael. "Malaysian-brewed craft beer wins first-ever medals at World Beer Awards". The Star. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
5. "大马精酿啤酒扬威海外 荣获2023年世界啤酒金奖 - 国内 - 全国综合". 星洲网 Sin Chew Daily Malaysia Latest News and Headlines (in Chinese (China)). 18 August 2023. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
6. Ramon, Jason Cristiano. "Alcohol Policies in Malaysia". USA Today. Archived from the original on 7 November 2013. Retrieved 27 October 2016.
7. "Model to be caned for drinking beer in Malaysian bar". The Guardian. Associated Press. 20 August 2009. Retrieved 27 October 2016.
8. Ahmed, Saeed Ahmed (20 August 2009). "Malaysian model, mother to be caned for drinking beer in public". CNN. Retrieved 27 October 2016.
9. "Malaysia beer drink woman's caning sentence commuted". BBC News. 1 April 2010. Retrieved 27 October 2016.
10. "Malaysia spares woman from caning for drinking beer". The Guardian. Associated Press. 1 April 2010. Retrieved 27 October 2016.
11. "Malaysian Model Escapes Caning Punishment for Drinking Beer". Fox News. 1 April 2010. Retrieved 27 October 2016.