In Malaysia, coffee culture permeates daily life, reflecting both tradition and modernity. A walk through any Malaysian neighbourhood will likely lead you to a kopitiam—those informal cafés serving local favourites such as Ipoh white coffee, kopi O, and kaya toast. Despite the strong hold of traditional coffee heritage, modern kopitiams like Oriental Coffee and NanYang Coffee have emerged, offering a blend of local hospitality with contemporary flair.
The Malaysian coffee market is not only rich in tradition but is also experiencing rapid growth. Over the past year, premium international coffee chains have established a presence in the country. Indonesia’s Kopi Kenangan and Tanamera, South Korea’s Paris Baguette, Singapore’s Bacha Coffee, the UK’s EL&N, and US-based Ralph’s are now part of Malaysia’s bustling coffee scene. Starbucks, under the licensee Berjaya Food, surpassed 400 stores by November 2023. Alongside these international giants, domestic operators such as Zus Coffee, Bask Bear, and Gigi Coffee are making premium and specialty coffee more accessible.
Data from World Coffee Portal reveals that the Malaysian branded coffee sector grew by 28%, exceeding 3,330 outlets over the past year. This growth is fuelled by a robust economy projected to expand by 4-5% in 2024. Specialty coffee plays a pivotal role in nurturing a community of young enthusiasts keen on exploring quality brews.
According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), the average Malaysian consumed 2.2kg of coffee in 2022, marking a 5.2% increase since 2017. As Malaysians drink more coffee, they are also gravitating towards higher-quality beverages. With increasing disposable incomes and urban living, Western influences have significantly shaped coffee consumption habits over the last three decades.
The Malaysian government actively supports this evolution by encouraging domestic start-ups and attracting foreign investment through tax incentives and funding programmes. The country’s developed infrastructure further makes it an attractive destination for international coffee brands. Venture capital investments in domestic start-ups rose by 27.5% between 2021 and 2022, while foreign direct investment grew by 8.3% during the same period.
Amid this vibrant coffee culture comes intriguing news for coffee aficionados: regular coffee consumption might be linked to a longer, healthier life. A comprehensive review of over 50 studies published in Ageing Research Reviews suggests that drinking coffee regularly is associated with an additional 1.8 years of lifespan. But it’s not just about living longer; the research indicates that coffee could contribute to a longer health span as well.
In the context of Malaysia’s ageing population, such findings hold great significance. The study compiled evidence linking coffee intake to ageing and age-related diseases in humans and examined its impact on mechanisms known as the seven pillars of ageing. Despite past nutritional advice warning against excessive caffeine consumption, recent research is shifting this perspective.
While caffeine often takes centre stage, attention is turning to the other compounds in coffee—over 2,000 of them—which may offer significant health benefits. Coffee contains polyphenols, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory plant chemicals that help reduce oxidative stress—internal wear and tear on our bodies. Foods like leafy greens, berries, dark chocolate, extra-virgin olive oil, green tea, and red wine also boast high polyphenol content.
The authors of the study suggest revising clinical recommendations to reflect these benefits. Traditional guidelines have sometimes overlooked coffee’s role in healthy ageing. Given research indicating regular consumption can potentially mitigate chronic diseases prevalent in society, it may be time for a reevaluation.
The review concluded that global epidemiological studies point to moderate regular coffee consumption—three to five cups per day—as positively impacting human ageing. It appears to increase lifespan while decreasing risks of age-related diseases like heart disease, lung disease, stroke, certain cancers, diabetes, dementia, depression, and frailty.
Moreover, coffee consumption seemed associated with improved muscular, heart, mental, and immune health. Regular moderate intake can mediate against biological mechanisms that naturally slow or fail as we age, potentially triggering various health issues.
However, these positive effects are relatively minor. While associated with better health outcomes and extended lifespans, the benefits are slight. Additionally, since the review was based on observational studies, it’s uncertain whether these links were due to coffee’s inherent benefits or external factors like socioeconomic status.
Despite potential biases given its funding by the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC), the study opens up possibilities for considering coffee as part of a balanced diet aimed at enhancing longevity and well-being.
For Malaysians who enjoy their daily cup—or several—of coffee, this is undoubtedly encouraging news. However, it’s essential to approach these findings with a balanced perspective. Coffee’s benefits should be considered within a broader lifestyle approach that includes healthy eating and regular exercise.
While this study provides valuable insights into coffee’s potential health benefits, it’s crucial to maintain cautious optimism. Coffee may indeed play a role in promoting a longer and healthier life but is not a cure-all. As research continues to unfold, it will be fascinating to see how our understanding of this beloved brew evolves in Malaysia and beyond.
