The recent debate over whether storing large amounts of liquor at home is illegal has caught the attention of the Malaysian Chinese community. Prominent Chinese-Malaysian lawyer and influencer Ang Woei Shang has clarified that, according to Customs regulations, only commercial storage of liquor without a license constitutes an offense. He urged Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying to clearly state that keeping alcohol at home is not a crime.
The discussion arose after Customs Department assistant director V. Kamalhasan cited Section 34 of the 1976 Excise Act, noting that premises storing liquor must hold a license, warning that excessive home storage could potentially violate the law.
Speaking at the 32nd Annual Mid-Autumn Peace Dinner organized by the Federation of Hawkers and Traders Associations of Malaysia, where he is the legal advisor, Ang humorously challenged the logic: “Having lots of liquor at home doesn’t mean you’re selling it, just as having many children doesn’t mean you’re running a kindergarten, toys don’t make a toy store, and clothes don’t make a clothing shop.”
Ang pointed out that while Lim had said that as long as the liquor purchased was taxed, there is no need to worry, this explanation has not fully addressed public concern. “Her statement indirectly acknowledges the idea that collecting alcohol could be illegal,” he said.
He added that many people collect wine at home, including hundreds of bottles, often received as gifts without receipts. “Some bottles are decades old and increasingly valuable—how do you prove they were taxed? And what about duty-free purchases abroad? Shouldn’t people be allowed to collect them?”
Ang emphasized that the responsibility should lie with the government to prove any violations, rather than forcing citizens to prove their innocence. “The law should require the government to prove wrongdoing, not require people to prove they are not breaking it.”
