Food site flamed for “cheap clickbait stunt” by claiming KA’s Rembayung doesn’t have halal cert

 

“IS the restaurant halal?”

This is an oft-heard query which is to be expected given majority of the Malaysian populace is Muslim. But this simple question can be twisted to suggest something entirely different with a purposefully deceitful post on social media.

This seems to be the case when Muslim-friendly food review site – Food PornMalaysia (@MalaysianFoods) – suggested on X that the much-hyped Rembayung restaurant does NOT yet possess halal certification.

For the uninitiated, the maiden physical restaurant by popular food influencer and entrepreneur Khairul Aming a.k.a. KA (real name Khairul Amin Kamarulzaman) seems to be on everyone’s lips right now having just opened its doors on Jan 6.

Many are keen to know if the grub is up to scratch given its menu does not feature typical kopitiam pricing.

But instead of focusing on the quality of the food, service and environment of the restaurant, this particular site decided to boost engagement with a provocative header.

It only clarified the issue in its final line which stated that the eatery located in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur will need to be in operation for three months before it can apply for halal certification.

Little wonder, many foodies called out the food site for resorting to cheap, unethical and downright dirty tactics to boost viewership. In other words, this was mere clickbait.

Some asked if the poster had a personal beef with the 33-year-old Kota Bahru-born Khairul Aming to be making such suggestions that sought to cast the fledgling restaurant in an unflattering light.

One commenter questioned why Malays resort to such measures which reeked of envy and jealousy. These are the same people who will complain that the Chinese dominate the economy and are getting richer by the day.

It was also pointed out by a few that this was a non-issue as the business was 100% Muslim owned.

However, others highlighted the hypocrisy of such posts when many Muslims are comfortable dining at roadside stalls that do NOT possess halal certification.

Some simply asked what the purpose of this post was.

Given that the restaurant is very much the flavour of the month, it is an obvious attempt to ride the coattails of a brand that is trending.

But to cast aspersions with dubious headers is just poor form. There are other ways to boost online engagement that do not involve denigrating a fledgling business.

Given that many commenters have called the site out for resorting to such tactics, it is hoped that Khairul Aming himself will be pleased that such reactions are helping to keep his restaurant brand in the public eye.

FocusM wishes the entrepreneur all the very best in his attempt at bringing a new name to the fine dining scene in KL as well as securing that all important halal certification in the near future. –  Focus Malaysia