Malacca, Muslims against ban on Christmas decorations in “halal” restaurants and hotels

by Joseph Masilamany

Controversy over a circular from the Department of Religious Affairs, which went viral on social media, stating that the decorations are reminiscent of a Christian holiday. The holiday is a religious, not a cultural, event and raises ‘issues related to faith’. But experts and officials say such a measure violates the spirit of tolerance and openness in the country.

Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews) - A senior minister in the state of Sarawak has criticised the alleged ban on Christmas decorations in “halal” certified restaurants and hotels in Malacca, calling the policy superficial and inconsistent with Malaysia's multi-religious character.

This clear stance comes alongside national guidelines drawn up in recent days by the government to settle the controversy. The head of Sarawak's Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts, Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said those responsible for the directive should adopt a more open mindset in a pluralistic society. ‘If they cannot accept this, then it would be better for them to live alone on an island like hermits,’ he told the local newspaper Free Malaysia Today.

The controversy erupted after a circular, allegedly issued by the Malacca Islamic Religious Affairs Department (Jaim), went viral on social media. The document stated that Christmas decorations were not allowed in kitchens or retail outlets of halal-certified hotels, arguing that Christmas is a religious rather than a cultural holiday and could raise ‘issues related to faith.’ However, the circular also specified that hotels were free to place decorations in non-halal-certified areas, such as lobbies and public spaces.

Federal clarification on halal certification

In response to growing controversy, the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Zulkifli Hasan clarified that there is no prohibition for holders of the Malaysia Halal Verification Certificate (Sphm) to use images, illustrations or decorations related to religious festivals other than Islam. In doing so, however, the principle of Halalan Toyyiban, the Islamic concept that encompasses “lawful, safe and wholesome” practices, must not be compromised. “The use of decorations, images and illustrations of non-Islamic festivals of a temporary nature on food products is permitted,” Zulkifli said in a statement reported by Berita Harian.

At the same time, he stressed that objects of worship are not permitted and that decorations must not involve the display of the Sphm certificate or halal logo alongside non-Islamic religious images. Zulkifli said the position is consistent with a 2023 decision by Malaysia's Department of Islamic Development (Jakim), which ruled that Sphm holders are allowed to use non-Islamic festive images under existing halal standards.

Malacca's directive has drawn criticism from political leaders across all parties. Ayer Keroh Assembly member Kerk Chee Yee said that if the ban were real, it would end up being a step backwards and should be corrected by the state government. Leaders of the ruling coalition have also questioned this policy. UMNO Youth chief Akmal Saleh, who is also a Merlimau Assembly member, said Christmas decorations have no impact on compliance. ‘Halal certification is about food preparation and ingredients, not festive decorations,’ said the expert, who also urged JAIM to review the circular.

Christian-Muslim context

Malaysia is a Muslim-majority nation where Islam is the official religion of the federation, but at the same time, the Constitution guarantees freedom of worship. Christians make up about 9% of the population, with large Christian communities in Sarawak and Sabah, where Christianity is closely intertwined with indigenous cultures and local history. Halal-certified establishments commonly serve customers of all faiths, and festive decorations for Hari Raya (Eid al-Fitr), Deepavali and Chinese New Year are widely displayed in public spaces and commercial establishments, including halal-certified establishments.

Sarawak, which actively promotes interfaith coexistence and observes the religious holidays of all communities, is often cited as a model of pluralism in Southeast Asia. Zulkifli emphasised that mutual respect for cultural and religious diversity is a distinctive feature of the nation's pluralistic society. He encouraged industry operators to comply with halal standards without neglecting religious and cultural harmony, advising hotels and restaurants with Sphm certification to consult regularly with the relevant authorities for specific guidance.

‘Close cooperation between state Islamic religious authorities, Jakim and industry operators is essential to ensure that halal policies are implemented prudently, while preserving the integrity of Malaysia's halal certification and social harmony,’ he concluded. At the time of publication, the Malacca State Government has not yet issued a definitive statement reconciling the state circular with federal halal guidelines.