According to National Health and Morbidity Survey by the Health Ministry, at least one out of five adolescents in Malaysia (19.3%) has tasted alcohol before in their lifetime. However, the amount of current adolescent drinker is at 10.2% or one out of 10 children.
Picking up the habit at such a young age does not only pose health risks but could also lead to social issues. The survey also found out that 4.7% of adolescents are involved in social problems like fights, school absenteeism or getting into trouble with family or friends.
Thus, this situation must not be taken lightly. When the children were asked how they got their hands on alcohol, a sizeable amount (37.7%) responded that they got it from their family members. Meanwhile, only 16.9% of the adolescents acquired alcohol from their friends. Hence, most of the time, trouble starts from home.
On the other hand, 27.3% of the respondents acquired alcohol by purchasing directly from the store. Whereas, children who asked someone else to buy alcohol or stealing alcohol are at 9% and 1.8% respectively. Therefore, store-owners do play significant role in preventing or providing children with alcohol.
Source: Malaysia Indicator
