Putrajaya has clarified that there is no prohibition disallowing halal-certified establishments from displaying non-Islamic festival decorations.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Zulkifli Hasan affirmed this following backlash over a directive from the Malacca Islamic Religious Department (Jaim), which banned Christmas decorations in halal-certified hotels and food premises in the state.
Zulkifli highlighted that in 2023, the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) had already determined that halal-certified restaurants are not barred from using images, illustrations, or decorations related to non-Islamic religious celebrations.
"Accordingly, this decision applies to the issue of decorations related to non-Islamic festive celebrations in kitchen areas or hotel outlets that hold the Malaysian Halal Certification (SPHM)," Zulkifli said in a statement today.
However, the minister noted that such displays should not affect halalan thoyyiban principles, and the use of ritual or worship equipment is not permitted.
While displays related to celebrations other than Islam on food products that are non-permanent in nature are permitted, such decorations and ornaments must not involve SPHM's logo.
"Industry players are encouraged to continue complying with existing halal standards without disregarding aspects of racial harmony.
"Hotels and food premises holding Malaysian halal certification are advised to always refer to the relevant authorities to obtain accurate clarification and guidance from time to time, to ensure continuous compliance with national halal standards," Zulkifli added.
He stressed that close cooperation between state Islamic authorities, Jakim, and industry players is crucial to ensure that halal policies and guidelines are implemented prudently alongside the interests of Muslims and overall societal harmony.
Such an approach, he said, reflects the government's ongoing commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Malaysia’s halal certification while ensuring that interfaith and cultural harmony continues to be strengthened.
Drawing criticisms
Yesterday, several quarters, including Malacca state executive councillor Dr Akmal Saleh, had criticised Jaim's directive for being unfair.
In calling for the matter to be reviewed, Akmal, who is also the Umno Youth chief, pointed out that having Christmas decorations in kitchens does not make the halal-certified food and beverages not permissible.
Expressing similar sentiments, Malacca MCA Youth chief Tee Tian Leng said the directive not only lacks common sense judgment but also runs contrary to the spirit of celebrating diversity.
Malacca DAP Youth had also slammed Jaim's directive as a move that goes beyond the department's authority, as it regulates the cultural expressions of other communities.
The party's youth wing also warned that the directive creates confusion for businesses while threatening Malacca’s tourism-driven economy and reputation as an inclusive destination.
In the directive issued on Dec 16, sighted by Malaysiakini, halal-certified kitchens and hotels cannot have Christmas decorations as it is a religious festival, not a cultural one.
The directive mentions that it could raise issues in relation to Muslims’ faith.
The letter was signed by Jaim director Azhan Samat @ Limat, who is also the state halal verification panel chairperson.
‘Comply with advice’
In response to Zulkifli’s statement today, Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong urged Jaim to comply with the minister’s advice, emphasising that the Muslim community generally has a strong and clear foundation in their faith.
“Festive decorations that are cultural and not religious in nature will not undermine the core of Islamic faith,” the DAP lawmaker said.
“On the contrary, viewing the celebration of cultural festivities as a threat to religion will only create unnecessary anxiety and is not in line with the values of confidence and openness that are also emphasised in Islamic teachings.”
Khoo’s fellow DAP lawmaker, Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Steven Sim, similarly said Zulkifli’s clarification should be respected and used as a common guideline to ensure that on the ground implementation is consistent and not confusing.
In a statement today, Sim noted that such measures would ensure that local businesses can continue to progress regardless of race, religion, state, or territory, including in the food and hotel sectors that involve many micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“Accordingly, government processes and procedures at all levels should be simplified and aligned so that Malaysian traders can operate with clarity and without confusion or differing interpretations of regulations,” he added.
The move, he said, forms part of his ministry’s “Strategi ABCD,” a Malay acronym referring to four pillars, namely productivity shift, simplified bureaucracy, capital accessibility, and market reach. - Mkini
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