Is being drunk in public illegal?

YES, you would be committing an offence if you are incapable of taking care of yourself or if you behaved inappropriately in public after drinking too much alcohol.

An individual who is found drunk and shows any disorderly or disruptive behaviour in public will be fined a maximum of RM25 or jailed for up to 14 days.

Repeat the offence, and you will face a stiffer punishment.

On a second or subsequent conviction, the offender can be fined up to RM100, jailed for a maximum of three months or both upon sentencing

This is according to Section 21 of the Minor Offences Act, which states that:

21. Any person who is found drunk and incapable of taking care of himself, or is guilty of any riotous, disorderly or indecent behaviour, or of persistently soliciting or importuning for immoral purposes in any public road or in any public place or place of public amusement or resort, or in the immediate vicinity of any Court or of any public office or police station or place of worship, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding twenty-five ringgit or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen days, and on a second or subsequent conviction to a fine not exceeding one hundred ringgit or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or to both.

Senior criminal lawyer and former Malaysian Bar president Salim Bashir said this law included any disorderly and disruptive behaviour in public, including drunkenness or exhibiting immoral behaviour like prostitution.

“The offence happens in public places - areas where the public has access and converges, which can include bars and pubs,” said Salim

“But the offence is mainly about disorderly and unruly conduct in public, not about getting drunk in pubs,” he added when contacted.

Salim also said that acts like shouting, rioting, or causing a nuisance in public can also be caught under this provision.

“Any kind of inappropriate behaviour that runs counter to normal and acceptable standards in public can fall within the ambit of Section 21,” Salim added.

So, if you can’t hold your liquor in public, it’s best to know your alcohol limits better or just drink within the confines of your home!