Pattern of alcoholism in the General Hospital, Kuala Lumpur.

The actual prevalence of alcoholism and alcohol-related disorders in the Malaysian communi'gr is unknown, since there have been no studies done to estimate this. However, the Consumers Associatiok of Malaysia! estimates there to be 200,000 alcoholics in this country, of which 65% are Indian, 25% are Chinese and 9% are Malays. In 1988, the Consumers Bulletin reported a total of 80 deaths from drinking adulteti;lted alcohol in the last 11 years2. No community is totally free from the consumption of alcohol and alcohol-related disorders, although the Malays, comprising 53% of the population, being Muslims and having strong religious taboos, are much less affected compared to the Indians and Chinese3,4.