The Melaka Islamic Religious Department (JAIM) is urged to comply with the clarification in a statement issued by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Dr. Zulkifli Hasan, based on the guidelines established by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) two years ago.
Member of Parliament for Kota Melaka, Khoo Poay Tiong, in his press statement, called upon JAIM to adhere to Minister Dr. Zulkifli’s advice regarding the ban on Christmas decorations in hotels and halal-certified food premises in Melaka.
According to media reports today (Dec 20) Dr. Zulkifli stated that there is no prohibition against halal premises displaying decorations for other religious festivals, as decided by JAKIM two years ago.
However, he noted that this is subject to several conditions, including that the decorations do not affect the principles of halalan thoyyiban (permissible and wholesome) and do not involve displaying the decorations on the halal logo or the halal certification itself.
“This decision applies to the issue of non-Islamic festive decorations in the kitchen areas or outlets of hotels that hold the Malaysia Halal Management System (SPHM) certification,” Dr. Zulkifli said in his statement.
Khoo, who is also the Melaka DAP Chairman, noted that there are many hotels, fast-food restaurants, and food chains in Melaka that have been halal-certified for a long time, serving consumers of various races and different religions.
Festive decorations in these premises are typically commercial and cultural in nature, rather than religious rituals.
The ban issued by JAIM could potentially limit the festive spirit, thereby impacting daily social interactions and the atmosphere of harmony within our multi-racial society.
“We also agree with the principle emphasised by the Minister that respect for cultural and religious diversity is an essential foundation in building Malaysian society.
“Festive decorations that are cultural and not religious rituals will not undermine the foundational faith (akidah) of Muslims,” Khoo said.
On the contrary, viewing cultural celebrations as a threat to faith will only trigger unnecessary social unrest, and it is inconsistent with Islamic values that emphasise confidence, rationality, and openness, said Khoo.
Based on this stance, we welcome the Minister’s clarification and call for the outlined principles to be used as a guide to ensure all states implement halal certification provisions without interpretations that are overly strict or exceed their original intent.
The credibility of the halal certification system depends on professionalism and the clarity of its implementation guidelines, while the foundation of social harmony rests on mutual respect and rational communication.
A balance between these two is vital to ensure Malaysia continues to move forward as a diverse, inclusive, and stable nation.