Foreigners run illicit backyard distilleries, says licensed trader

PETALING JAYA: Cheap liquors are being produced in the Klang Valley illegally to feed the huge demand from foreign workers. Some of these illegal backyard distilleries are run by foreigners, a licensed liquor trader told theSun.
He said low-income migrant workers from Myanmar, India and Nepal are heavy consumers of compounded spirits, with some of them drinking at least a "half bottle" or about 350ml of liquor daily.
"As most legal liquor are priced above RM15 a bottle, these workers opt for cheaper and illicit ones that are manufactured by unscruplous people," said the trader who wished to remain anonymous.
"Some of these illegal distilleries are run by foreigners. The packaging comes with fancy labels. The cheap liquor are usually sold at small sundry shops or stalls frequented by foreigners. Licensed liquor shops rarely sell illicit drinks as they mainly cater to locals."
The trader also said moonshine is also being smuggled from neighbouring countries through ports in the country.
Consumption of tainted bootleg liquor nationwide has claimed 25 lives, with the two latest fatalities reported in Ipoh yesterday. Other cases were in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.
Another liquor trader said it is unlikely that any of the victims had died from consuming genuine Kingfisher beer. The licensed importer has stopped bringing in the beer into the country four years ago.
"Kingfisher is premium beer from India and undergoes stringent quality control before being pushed out from its factory," he said. "The ones seized and seen in the photos are likely fakes produced by moonshiners.
"If you examine the cans of illicit and genuine Kingfishers, there are differences in the labels. Regular consumers can tell because the fakes have higher alcohol content."
Meanwhile, a chemist pointed out the danger of consuming liqour produced by moonshiners.
He said the methanol level in the spirit must be monitored in the distillation.
"Methanol levels are supposed to be checked throughout the process," said the chemist who wished to remian anonymous.
"If it exceeds a certain level, it should be rejected this is unlikely the case with unlicensed manufacturers.
"There are certain aspects that should be taken into consideration during the process of distilling liquor. This includes the cleanliness of the facilities and the integrity of personnel in these distilleries."
He said only legal manufacturers have the proper technology and equipment to produce liquor properly.