KUALA LUMPUR – Authorities have been urged to clamp down on the sale and distribution of commercial merchandise bearing sacred religious images, including during major festivals.
The Penang Hindu Association (PHA) has called for mindfulness on the part of the public and action from the authorities on items like T-shirts that carry pictures of holy symbols and gods – such as that of Lord Murugan – peddled during the Thaipusam season.
Its president P. Murugiah said even prayer items that depict images of sacred deities together to promote the brands and products should be banned.
He said that while many of the items are believed to be imported, there are also locally made ones.
According to a survey conducted by PHA, some retail outlets in Penang, Kedah and other states were found selling prayer items with images of Hindu gods.
These include items such as incense, camphor, sandalwood powder, homa sticks, lamp oil, vibhuti, ghee, Ganga water and sambrani (balsamic resin).
“Moreover, after they are used, the empty boxes and packets with the Hindu gods’ pictures are thrown in the rubbish bin,” he said, stressing that this is offensive to Hindus.
He said manipulating such images is a cheap and degrading sales gimmick during Thaipusam and other festivals.
“It is using religion for commercial gain,” he said in a statement.
“PHA urges all Hindu devotees to stop buying prayer items with deities’ images on them during Hindu festivals and also for home use.”
He added that Malaysia is a multicultural country where there is mutual respect for religious sensitivities.
“Anything that is offensive to any religion should not be allowed,” he said. – The Vibes, January 16, 2022
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