Armed forces to stop selling duty-free beer at Pernama outlets

Following a directive from the Malaysian Armed Forces chief, defense trading arm Pernama will discontinue the sale of duty-free beer at its outlets across the nation, marking the end of a practice that has endured for over six decades. Operators of the 80 Pernama locations nationwide were recently informed by the armed forces chief's office, with no explicit reason provided for the decision.

Current stocks of beer are anticipated to be depleted by year-end. Under current regulations, non-Muslim servicemen and veterans are permitted to purchase up to two crates of beer monthly, each containing 48 cans or bottles, from Pernama outlets. The outlets also offer duty-free electrical appliances, with each serviceman allowed to buy one such item throughout their career.

A Pernama spokesman stated that the directive has been issued to all outlets and that the defense ministry is seeking clarification from the Malaysian Armed Forces public relations office regarding the reasons behind the decision. Ex-servicemen and veterans have expressed disappointment, describing the duty-free beer benefit as one of the few privileges they retain after years of service.