Cheers to raising the age limit, Fatimah says on purchase of alcohol

KUCHING: The federal government’s decision to raise the age limit for the purchase of alcoholic beverages to 21 from 18 previously is much welcomed news for the state.

Minister of Welfare, Community Well Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, in lauding the decision, said it was a positive move towards helping address social decadence in the country.

“The move by the ( federal) government to increase the age limit for the purchase of alcoholic beverages is very wise because as we can see, many social problems are caused by drug abuse and alcohol consumption,” she said yesterday.

She told reporters this after officiating at the ‘ Heal Your Inner Self’ mental health programme held here.

Fatimah was commenting on Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkef ly Ahmad’s announcement on the ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages to those aged below 21, effective Oct 16.

According to her, the new age limit is appropriate as a person who reaches the age of 21 is considered an adult, while 18-year- olds are still juveniles – many of whom are still schooling.

Part of the new ruling also requires alcohol vendors to display the cautionary warning ‘ Drinking Alcohol Can Endanger Health’ at the entrance of their business premises, as well as on the label of each alcoholic product.

Vendors will also need to display the age limit sign barring those under 21 from purchasing alcohol at sales counters, while alcoholic beverages for sale are to be exhibited in separate cabinets or racks.

Failure to comply with the new regulation will result in a fine not exceeding RM10,000 or jail for up to two years, if convicted.