KUCHING — A liquor company has officially withdrawn its products that carried the name Santubong following strong protests from the public, including Santubong Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
The company made the announcement through a statement posted on its official Instagram account, confirming that the brand has been removed from the market effective immediately.
“We have decided to end the use of this name and product. The product has also been removed from the market,” the company said.
The withdrawal comes after widespread criticism and heated discussions online, with many arguing that using Santubong — a name with strong cultural and historical significance to Sarawak — on liquor products was deeply inappropriate.
Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, who previously voiced her objections, had stressed that the decision to use Santubong for alcoholic beverages showed insensitivity to the local community. She pointed out that the majority of the population in the Santubong area are Muslims, and urged the authorities to intervene.
Nancy also called for strict enforcement and urged the authorities to examine the legal aspects of such branding decisions, noting that cultural and religious sensitivities must always be respected in a multi-racial and multi-religious country like Malaysia.
The controversy gained significant traction on social media, with many netizens expressing disappointment and anger over the choice of name. Comments described the branding as offensive and insensitive, sparking calls for accountability from both the company and regulatory authorities.
The decision to pull the product from the shelves has been welcomed by many quarters, with community leaders and the public praising the swift action taken. Observers say the incident serves as a reminder for businesses to be more cautious and respectful when choosing brand names, especially in a culturally diverse society like Sarawak. – SuaraSarawak
