Uncle sipping Tiger in Melaka shopping mall sparks debate on acceptable behaviour in public

Uncle sipping Tiger in Melaka shopping mall sparks debate on acceptable behaviour in public


THE phrase “much ado about nothing” is used when someone is over-reacting and makes a big deal of fuss over something unimportant.


This certainly seems to be the case regarding an elderly gentlemen’s decision to enjoy a leisurely stroll through an unidentified shopping mall in Melaka while sipping a can of beer.


This uncle’s insouciance had been interpreted as a slap on the face to Muslim sensitivities as highlighted on several social media domains.

First up is Malay-language current affairs site Oh My Media Facebook page which signalled its displeasure by asking since when did public consumption of alcohol was permitted.


It was claimed that the uncle had been sounded out over his choice of beverage but chose to ignore it and continued his journey in a hurry.

“Didn’t the security personnel notice this?” the poster huffed while demanding that the mall management take appropriate action.

The post has generated plenty of feedback with 3.8K likes, 3.9K comments and 379 shares at time of writing, denoting that this seemingly harmless act of supping a can of amber nectar has raised the hackles of some overly-sensitive citizens.

Rightists cry foul

On the one hand, there were those who felt that the uncle had over-stepped boundaries by openly consuming alcohol in public. Be respectful to Muslim sensitivities was the message here.

There were those who sought to inflame the situation by using this as yet another example of the “kafir harbi” (belligerent infidel) being disrespectful towards the majority yet no action is taken against them.

It was also quite reasonably argued that just like smoking, alcohol consumption inside a mall should not be allowed.

Regardless of the amount consumed, it is the principle that matters as a mall is a public space frequented by people of differing ages and backgrounds.

However, such sentiments were on the receiving end of a backlash from netizens who were non-plussed by this holier-than-thou attitude. One commenter highlighted that one singular can of beer wasn’t going to get anyone intoxicated.

More than a few highlighted that the uncle was minding his own business and not causing any disturbances to anyone, not least to any Muslims. Was he inviting Muslims for a drink?
Business & Industrial

The split in opinion was exemplified by a couple of comments. One concerned citizen was dismayed that the rights of non-Muslims was being curtailed.

However, this view was countered by a commenter who pointed out the such imbibing of alcohol in public was NOT allowed even in the US which is NOT a Muslim country.

This polar opposites in perspectives were also evident in Melaka Explorer’s Facebook portal where this episode was highlighted.

On the one hand, it was pointed out that the beer lover was walking – not driving – hence, he should be allowed the pleasure of enjoying his booze peacefully.

On the other, it was argued that such behaviour was unacceptable in Malaysia (as opposed to mainland China) where majority of the populace was Muslim.

That divide in opinion was further underlined by a slew of comments that reflected the growing schism in society.

One commenter argued that alcohol consumption was to be limited to licensed premises and not public spaces. However, this view was seen by another netizen as non-Muslim rights being curtailed even though the uncle in question was not bothering anybody.

One can of beer but opposing perspectives. On the one hand, it is entirely reasonable that members of the public demand that, like smoking, consumption of the alcohol be confined to appropriate places.

On the other, it is very disconcerting that a middle-aged uncle quietly enjoying his singular can of beer in a mall is used as an example of non-Muslim arrogance and insensitivity towards their Muslim compatriots. – July 9, 2026