Despite Its Muslim Majority, WHO Names Malaysia as World's 10th Largest Alcohol Consumer

World Health Organisation (WHO) has named Malaysia as the world's tenth largest consumer of alcohol.

A new WHO report has said Malaysia spent over 500 million dollars (RM1.5bil) on alcohol with a per capita consumption of seven litres, while its beer consumption is 11 litres per capita, The Star reports.

Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Heng Seai Kie expressed concern that this problem is getting serious.

"Alcohol is not only causing a lot of health issues but is also contributing to a significant number of accidents," she said after attending a seminar on "Promote Healthy lifestyle: Reduce Alcohol Harm".

She, however, assured that her ministry would organise a campaign through the National Population and Family Development Board to spread awareness on the danger of alcohol abuse by holding ten seminars nation wide this year.

"The public has to understand that alcohol is not part of our culture and it will bring harm if it is abused," she added.

Source: ANI