Penang coffee shop told to remove ‘halal table’ labels after uproar

 Mayor says the shop is not operated by the Penang Island City Council and that the council has never encouraged such a practice.

A post circulating on Facebook claimed that tables at a coffee shop in George Town, Penang, were being used to separate Muslim and non-Muslim customers.

GEORGE TOWN:

The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has ordered a coffee shop on Jalan Terengganu here to remove stickers marking tables as “halal” following an uproar on social media.

A post circulating on Facebook claimed that the tables were being used to separate Muslim and non-Muslim customers. There was also a claim that the outlet was run by MBPP.

Mayor Rajendran Anthony said no such practice existed at food outlets, public markets, or food complexes operated by the council, and that such a practice had never been part of MBPP’s policy.

Rajendran said MBPP identified the shop concerned after conducting checks on food outlets that were not operated by the council. It has since instructed the premises owner to remove the stickers.

“MBPP is guided by the Penang government’s inclusive policy, where harmony, sensitivity, and the comfort of all residents, regardless of race or religion, remain a priority,” he told FMT.

MBPP public health committee chairman Tan Soo Siang said the council had taken action against the coffee shop operator and issued a warning following public complaints.

Tan said that contrary to claims on social media, the eatery was privately operated and not run by the city council.

She said the issue arose after a burger stall began operating at the coffee shop and put up stickers designating separate seating areas for customers consuming halal and non-halal food.

Tan said the stall operator had not obtained MBPP’s approval before putting up the stickers.

The stall also did not have valid halal certification and, therefore, had no authority to designate any area in the premises as halal or non-halal.

Tan said food operators must obtain approval from the authorities before putting up any signage or introducing measures that could affect customers. - FMT