SARAWAK DAP today stressed there was no issue for halal-certified bakeries to write Christmas greetings on cakes.
Its chief Chong Chieng Jen said the question arose after a circular by the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) was issued in 2020.
The circular said halal-certified bakeries must not put festive greetings on their products.
“This was later clarified by Jakim, which said there was no ban on placing such messages on cakes,” said Chong, also Stampin MP.
Jakim said this was an issue that had been raised before, which it answered on December 25, 2020, and November 1, 2023.
“We wish to inform again that there is no prohibition for premises holding the Malaysia halal certificate from putting any writing related to festive greetings on cakes and such,” Jakim said.
Jakim advised halal certificate-holders to consult the department first if they were confused about such matters.
Chong said: “Recently, an internal memo from a bakery went viral, claiming shops with halal certification could not sell cakes with ‘Merry Christmas’ (written) on them.
“This is crazy! This was due to a circular issued by Jakim in 2020 – at that time, the government was under Perikatan Nasional (PN).”
On Saturday, Religious Affairs Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said there were no restrictions on halal certificate-holders writing festive greetings on cakes for customers to take home.
He said he had asked Jakim to clarify the issue.
“There is no ban on writing festival greetings on cakes sold by halal certificate-holders.
“I have instructed the halal department under Jakim to issue an immediate statement that explains the matter clearly, especially to halal certificate-holders. This will be done as soon as possible.
“I have also asked them to produce a video on the issue to ensure everyone understands,” he said.
The bakery concerned, Berry’s Cake House Sdn Bhd, has apologised over its misinterpretation of Jakim’s halal certification.
In a notice to its customers, it said the incident occurred due to the misinterpretation of its halal certification requirements.
“Following the clarification from the minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), there are no restrictions on halal certificate-holders writing celebratory festive greetings on cakes for customers to take home.
“We deeply regret any inconvenience caused to all our valued customers. We are most happy to take orders with celebratory festive greetings,” it said. – The Vibes, December 18, 2023.
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