Allow restaurants to opt
for halal certs, says
Buddhist association
The Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia says eateries that do not serve pork or alcohol may have different marketing strategies.
The Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia said while halal certification falls under Jakim’s jurisdiction and pertains to Islamic hygiene standards and food safety, Article 11 of the Federal Constitution
.also guarantees the freedom of religion and should therefore be protected
Its president, Yong Kuei Yoong, said restaurants and food companies should be allowed to decide which local or international hygiene and food safety standards they wish to follow as part of their marketing strategies.
Yong’s statement comes after religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar announced that Jakim is studying a proposal to mandate that all restaurants and food companies, except for premises that sell pork or alcoholic drinks, obtain halal certificates.
Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, who is under investigation by the police, had said that such a move could impose a burden on small businesses, restrict consumer freedom and clash with Malaysia’s cultural diversity.
Her comments drew the ire of several parties, including Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal and the Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia.
Former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin also said in a recent podcast the proposal, if implemented, should apply across the board and not only on non-Muslim operators.
His co-host, Shahril Hamdan, said Khairy’s suggestion implied that operators should choose between either obtaining halal certification, or serving pork and/or alcohol.
He said non-Muslim operators who do not serve either pork or alcohol should not be forced to obtain halal certification.
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kt comments:
It's basically up to the Muslims whether they want to eat at a non-Muslim shop (not selling pork and/or alcohol). Not the shop owners' duty to ensure for their Muslim customers that Muslims' dietary requirements are observed.
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