Oktoberfest not a cultural celebration in Malaysia

SHAH ALAM - Pas women's wing chief Nuridah Mohd Salleh said Oktoberfest is not a cultural celebration in Malaysia and is viewed as promoting alcohol openly which could lead to serious social problems in the country.

She said she supported Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Idris Ahmad's call to ban the event as it has been proven that drinking could not only endanger the lives of those consuming alcohol, but could also bring harm to their families and the society.

"The ban does not mean that the government was obstructing non-Muslims from consuming alcohol. "Generally, everyone is aware of the dangers of alcohol consumption.

"It would not only invite danger to those consuming it, but it has been proven to have brought harm to their families and the society," she said in a statement.

She said among the cases involving drunk people were domestic violence and road accidents and the number of such cases involving drunk drivers were also increasing yearly.

Nuridah said although the Oktoberfest was a festival that started in Germany since 1810, it was now associated with alcohol and funfair festivals. The festival started to draw people's attention in 1910 because it involved the beer party, she said.

She added that it was a festival which would take place for 16 to 18 days in which alcohol companies would sponsor for the festival with five to six million people taking part.

"Such events are against the “eastern values” of the people. Besides, it would expose Malaysians to an “unhealthy” culture.

"Therefore, it should be opposed at any cost and not allow it to take root in the country," she said.