THE minimum age to buy alcohol at 21 is effective today, based on regulations that were already gazetted but not enforced, the Health Ministry announced.

Minister Dr Dzukefly Ahmad said the move follows amendments to Regulation 361 on the general standard for alcoholic beverages and a new Regulation 386A on compounded hard liquor.

“The sale of alcohol is prohibited to those who are below the age of 21, compared to 18, previously.

“All retailers of alcoholic drinks must also comply with requirements to post a notice that consuming alcohol can be dangerous for health on their premises where the drinks are sold. They must also post signs that the sale of alcohol to those below the age of 21 is prohibited,” Dr Dzukefly told reporters at the Parliament lobby today.

The minimum age for alcohol consumption had already been raised from 18 to 21 by the previous government in May 2016.

A report by The Star in January this year, however, said though the new regulations were gazetted in 2016, they were to only take effect in December 2017 to allow retailers time to adjust.

However, a circular in late November from the Health Ministry’s Food Safety and Quality Division to state health department heads said enforcement was postponed until further notice, without giving a reason. – October 16, 2018.