Islamic state? More beer please!
Though Abdullah Badawi and Najib Razak had clamoured Malaysia to be an Islamic state, the fact is we will have more beer under their administration.
Singapore media disclosed yesterday that a third brewery has started operation in Port Klang in May, under the name of Napex Corporation. It produces and markets the brand Jaz Beer.
It's a market breaking news that rattled and riled even the incumbents.
Earlier, Malaysia has vowed to cap licenses to the two existing breweries, namely, Guinness Anchor Berhad and Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Berhad.
Market players are wondering how two Chinese businessmen from Teluk Intan could obtain the brewery license when its issuance had been long frozen.
For now, as can be seen from Napex's product distribution strategy, Jaz Beer is positioned as a budget beer taegetting drinkers in the smaller towns.
Licensed by Royal Customs
Interestingly, Little Birds said Napex' brewery license was issued by the Royal Customs Department which reports to the Treasury, of which Abdullah is the finance minister.
This has been confirmed by Royal Customs Director-General Hj Abd Rahman b Abd Hamid when contacted by Oriental Daily News.
In past practice, issuance of brewery license had been under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry.
Comments
I'm not surprise. Anything can happen in this beautiful Bolehland.
Selamat Hari Raya....
Posted by: sherrina![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.my/nav-commenters.gif)
|
October 13, 2007 03:47 PM
Hey, I saw the Jaz Beer poster in a coffee shop in Kota Kemuning more than a month ago...and saw the poster again on WEdnesday...Next time maybe I'll try out the beer...who says cheaper cannot be better!!?
Posted by: Observer![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.my/nav-commenters.gif)
|
October 13, 2007 04:08 PM
Jeff,
I was in Turkey few weeks back. They are an Islamic nation with 99% Muslim and they are truly a secular Islamic nation. Tudung is hardly seen in the city of Instanbul. Even fasting is not made compulsory.
All our leaders should emolate Turkey instead of Iran!
JEFF OOI says: Yes, I was interviewed by CNN Turkey two weeks ago, comparing non-Muslims in Malaysia and and those in the Land where East meets West. Waiting for airing date.
Posted by: PenangWang![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.my/nav-commenters.gif)
|
October 13, 2007 06:40 PM
Great news!
Now can we have cheaper beer? I am sure that will boost our tourist arrivals!
Posted by: JacknJill![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.my/nav-commenters.gif)
|
October 13, 2007 08:10 PM
I guess who can 'kam cheng' get to 'yam seng' in Malaysia. Cheers!
Posted by: joshua![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.my/nav-commenters.gif)
|
October 14, 2007 08:44 AM
Cheaper beer = Jaz Beer
Cheaper insurancce = TuneMoney
Cheaper airflight = AirAsia
Cheaper hotel = TuneHotel
Cheaper telecommunications = Tune???
Better quality of life = Live in PGCC.
Let us follow the blood & money trail.
Will we have cheaper cigarettes?
That will be great.
We can't afford premium anymore.
We have to so-called tighten our belts and go for cheaper items. Which again we're ripped off again.
Posted by: aku anak malaysia![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.my/nav-commenters.gif)
|
October 14, 2007 01:53 PM
Ah, at last cheap beer. That's indeed great news. I do so love beer.At least we might have a choice against the over priced beers, a mug costs more than RM20 in some places!
Posted by: Major(Rtd)D.Swami![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.my/nav-commenters.gif)
|
October 14, 2007 05:15 PM
I'm just wondering which module of an Islamic state our government is following...
And I would actually rather our country emulate Iran rather than our current trend which seems to be leaning more and more towards Saudi Arabia.
As for the new brewery, it's not a surprising twist. With more Malays now drinking beer as well, it's definitely an increase in the market, which makes it a more lucrative business decision.
Lucrative enough, perhaps, to get someone tempted enough to issue a license for a split in the profits, be it a Muslim or otherwise.
Posted by: aput83![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.my/nav-commenters.gif)
|
October 16, 2007 10:13 AM