Akmal, MCA Youth urge review over Christmas decoration ban
Published: Dec 19, 2025 7:04 PM
Updated: 10:04 PM
Malacca state executive councillor Dr Akmal Saleh has described the ban on Christmas decorations in halal-certified hotels and food premises by the state Islamic religious department as unfair.
Taking to Facebook, he said having Christmas decorations in kitchens does not make the halal-certified food and beverages not permissible.
“I call for this matter to be reviewed. For example, if a non-Muslim restaurant owner who has halal certification wants to put up Christmas decorations, what’s wrong with that?
“I have also discussed this matter with several muftis, and they agree that halal certification depends on the source of the food and how it is prepared. Decorations have nothing to do with it.
“So, I raised the matter earlier with state exco for religious affairs Rahmad Mariman and urge the Malacca Islamic Religious Department (Jaim) to revisit this directive,” said the Umno Youth chief.
Earlier, Malacca DAP Youth said while it respects the importance of halal certification to the Muslim community, the directive goes beyond Jaim’s authority by regulating cultural expressions of other communities.
Christmas decoration
“It also creates confusion for businesses and threatens Malacca’s tourism-driven economy and reputation as an inclusive destination,” said the state party wing.
In the directive issued on Dec 16, sighted by Malaysiakini, halal-certified kitchens and hotels cannot have Christmas decorations as it was deemed a religious festival, not a cultural one.
The directive mentioned that it could raise issues in relation to the faith of Muslims.
The letter was signed by Jaim director Azhan Samat @ Limat, who is also the state halal verification panel chairperson.
On that note, Akmal said that even if a non-Muslim prepares food and beverages in a church using halal sources and prepares them using proper means, the food is still considered halal.
“Whether a type of food or beverage is halal or not depends on its source and how it is prepared,” he said.
Lacking common sense
Meanwhile, 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.
“As a tourism state, Malacca should, more than others, exemplify the values of diversity, inclusiveness, and openness.
“It also creates confusion for businesses and threatens Malacca’s tourism-driven economy and reputation as an inclusive destination,” said the state party wing.
In the directive issued on Dec 16, sighted by Malaysiakini, halal-certified kitchens and hotels cannot have Christmas decorations as it was deemed a religious festival, not a cultural one.
The directive mentioned that it could raise issues in relation to the faith of Muslims.
The letter was signed by Jaim director Azhan Samat @ Limat, who is also the state halal verification panel chairperson.
On that note, Akmal said that even if a non-Muslim prepares food and beverages in a church using halal sources and prepares them using proper means, the food is still considered halal.
“Whether a type of food or beverage is halal or not depends on its source and how it is prepared,” he said.
Lacking common sense
Meanwhile, 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.
“As a tourism state, Malacca should, more than others, exemplify the values of diversity, inclusiveness, and openness.
Tee Tian Leng
“The state’s appeal has never been limited to its heritage buildings alone. It lies in a city experience shaped by inclusiveness, diversity, and festive vibrancy.
“Visitors come to Malacca expecting liveliness, lights, and a festive mood - not a city that deliberately remains neutral and detached during festive seasons,” he said in a statement.
Tee urged Jaim to revisit the directive and consider the diverse spirit of public holidays, the realities of a tourism state, and the maturity of Malaysians.
“This is to avoid Malacca being perceived nationally and internationally as a state that is overly sensitive towards festive celebrations and lacking confidence in multicultural coexistence or the strength of one’s own faith.”
“The state’s appeal has never been limited to its heritage buildings alone. It lies in a city experience shaped by inclusiveness, diversity, and festive vibrancy.
“Visitors come to Malacca expecting liveliness, lights, and a festive mood - not a city that deliberately remains neutral and detached during festive seasons,” he said in a statement.
Tee urged Jaim to revisit the directive and consider the diverse spirit of public holidays, the realities of a tourism state, and the maturity of Malaysians.
“This is to avoid Malacca being perceived nationally and internationally as a state that is overly sensitive towards festive celebrations and lacking confidence in multicultural coexistence or the strength of one’s own faith.”
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