Christmas decor ban only for halal-certified kitchens and restaurants, says Melaka official

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A woman taking a selfie near the Christmas decorations displayed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Dec 19.

PHOTO: EPA

MELAKA – Hotels in Melaka are permitted to continue displaying Christmas decorations, with restrictions applying only to kitchens and restaurants that hold halal certification, an official has said.

The Melaka education, higher learning and religious affairs committee chairman clarified that a circular issued to hoteliers does not impose a blanket ban on such decorations in hotel premises.

Datuk Rahmad Mariman said the restrictions are limited strictly to food preparation areas and dining outlets that have been accorded halal certification.

Mr Mariman told The Star on Dec 19: “There is no prohibition on decorations in other parts of a hotel, including the lobby and common areas.

“Hotel managements are free to decorate areas within their premises that don’t carry halal certification.”

Mr Rahmad was responding to public concerns following a circular issued by the Melaka Islamic Religious Department which outlined guidelines on decorations in kitchens and restaurants within hotels certified halal.

He explained that halal certification is governed by the Manual Prosedur Pensijilan Halal Malaysia (Domestik) 2020, as stipulated by the Islamic Development Department Malaysia, which includes provisions related to decorations, services and religious-themed advertising within premises or hotel kitchens that have been certified halal.

“In this context and in the interest of safeguarding sensitivities in a multiracial and multireligious society, any form of decorative display or symbols related to religious celebrations are not permitted within kitchens and the main dining areas of halal-certified restaurants,” he said.

Mr Rahmad said