As Dayak leaders in Sarawak continue to advise their community to go slow in their alcohol consumption, particularly among the young, it seems that the unhealthy habit is also catching up with the Chinese in the state.

At least, two Chinese politicians from the DAP seem to think so.

Sarawak DAP chairperson Wong Ho Leng believes that drinking has become more than a custom in Sarawak now.

"Those who can't drink are labelled as 'useless'. That's sad but true," he said.

Drinking in Sarawak has long been part of the native culture, but the types of alcohol served have been transformed from traditional rice wine or tuak to that of cheap locally brewed beer and premium quality liquor on special occasions, he noted.

"In my area, there are some longhouses where parents are okay with their children drinking. I may not attend Malay functions often, but at Chinese functions, Blue Label, XO and red wine are the in-thing now," he said.

It's possible that hard drinks could become a good 'gift' to potential voters come the elections, Wong said.

He is worried that drinking could become a very serious social problem in Sarawak if no efforts are taken to curtail it.

Quite serious

Meanwhile, Sarawak DAP secretary Chong Chieng Jen said that the drinking problem among youths in the state is quite serious.

The government, he said, should not only control the price of liquor but also ensure quality process and manufacturing.

If a bottle of liquor is offered at RM2, then it is a serious problem indeed as youths can also afford to consume it.

In the end, it all boils down to strict enforcement of the law.

Chong also called for a fair execution of the law on the matter - across the board.

"One cannot be selective in the enforcement. If one shop stops selling but another one is allowed to continue doing so and enjoys brisk business in the process, that will not be not fair," he added.

JIMMY TEOH is malaysiakini's Sarawak-based stringer.