KUALA LUMPUR, Aug. 13 -- More Malaysians now prefer drinking at home over bars or restaurants, marking a lasting shift in local drinking habits.

Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd attributes this change to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a report published in The Edge.

The brewer's managing director Stefano Clini said this shift began during pandemic lockdowns when on-premise outlets closed, and has stuck around even after restrictions eased.

"Before Covid, on-trade accounted for more than half of our business. Now, off-trade is half or more than half. That change appears to be permanent," Clini told reporters on Tuesday.

He added that this trend aligned with global patterns, where retail sales for home consumption - kno...