IN a reminder of a similar incident three years ago, a bakery chain is refraining from decorating its cakes with Christmas greetings even if requested by customers out of fear it would go against rules set by the Islamic Development Department (Jakim).
An internal circular distributed to all Berry’s Cake House outlets, posted online by a customer, said: “We are strictly not allowed to write the words ‘Merry Christmas’ or ‘X’Mas’ on any cake even if requested by the customer.
“You may use our provided ‘Seasons’ greeting’ wishes card topper to replace and display on the cakes.
“The reason is that we are holding a halal certificate and we should fully support and meet all halal requirements, rules and regulations by Jakim,” read the memo from Berry’s Cake House operations manager, dated December 14.
In a statement responding to the matter, Jakim clarified there was no ban on placing such messages on products like cakes.
“This is an issue that has been raised before and it was answered prior to this by Jakim on December 25, 2020, and November 1, 2023,” it said.
“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.
In December 2020, Jakim said cake decorations for religious celebrations such as Christmas were only allowed for custom cakes ordered for personal consumption, not for display or marketing.
The situation was widely debated on social media after a customer was shocked when a bakery delivered his pre-ordered cake with “Happy Holidays” instead of the “Merry Christmas” greeting he requested.
The bakery said it was due to Jakim’s labelling rules about the halal logo, issued by the Halal Management System, which cannot be used to promote other religions.
On Christmas Eve that year, the Religious Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department said as long as the cake was not for display, bakeries with halal certification could take orders for non-Islamic celebrations.
In 2017, controversial Jakim preacher Zamihan Mat Zin said Christmas trees and other decorations that symbolise the celebration should not be displayed if a Christmas event has Muslim attendees.
The guidelines apparently also forbade Muslims from attending Christmas parties that have candles, bells or depictions of Santa Claus.
In November 2017, Zimbabwean Islamic scholar Ismail Menk, who is popular among Malaysian Muslims, sparked controversy when he advised Muslims against saying “Merry Christmas”.
Following this, Johor’s Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar ordered a ban on Menk from speaking in his state, saying his views could harm racial unity and harmony.
Sultan Ibrahim will be crowned as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong next month. – The Vibes, December 17, 2023.
