Kesan dan Langkah Mengatasi Ketagihan Todi dalam Kalangan Wanita India di Selangor, 1900-1945 (Effect and Measures to Overcome Toddy Addiction among Indian Women in Selangor, 1900-1945)

Abstract

This paper aims to examine the effects of toddy consumption among Indian women in the state of Selangor between 1900 to 1945. This paper also examines the actions and measures taken by the British to overcome the problem. The historiography of toddy consumption in Selangor is seen to be more focused on men so that it is often regarded as a "male activity". These circumstances cause issues regarding toddy drinking among women is left out. The main research question is what the impact of toddy on Indian women in Malaya and what action is being taken by the British government to overcome this problem? This study uses a qualitative approach that analyzed data from the primary and secondary sources. This study found that toddy consumption has had adverse implications among women who consume it. The implications are not only from a health point of view such as diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain but also socially. Toddy addiction causes them to become intoxicated and unable to think rationally. This causes them to lose control of themselves and commit immoral acts such as shouting, fighting and misbehaving. The situation becomes more critical if the men in the family are also addicted to toddy. The study also found that strict measures have been taken by the authorities to solve this problem. Among the actions taken is to monitor and control the opening and sale of toddy in toddy shops. The British have also enacted a new rule that toddy should not be sold in debt to drunks, women and children under the age of 16. Although various measures were taken by the British, it was still difficult to completely eliminate toddy.