Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh has voiced strong opposition to a purported directive in Melaka that restricts the display of Christmas decorations at halal-certified eateries and hotels, arguing that festive décor has no relevance to whether food and beverages meet halal requirements.
Speaking as both the Umno Youth leader and the Merlimau assemblyman, Dr Akmal urged the Melaka Islamic Religious Department to reassess the circular, which has sparked public debate. He maintained that halal certification is strictly determined by the source of ingredients and the manner in which food and drinks are prepared, rather than by visual elements such as decorations or festive greetings.
According to Dr Akmal, consultations with several muftis reinforced this position, with consensus that the halal status of food remains intact so long as it is free from prohibited ingredients and is prepared in accordance with Islamic guidelines. Decorative elements, he said, do not form part of the criteria used to assess halal compliance.
He also questioned the rationale behind restricting non-Muslim-owned halal-certified outlets from displaying seasonal decorations, noting that such practices do not alter food preparation processes or ingredient sourcing. From his perspective, allowing festive décor does not compromise religious principles and should not be viewed as a threat to faith.
The issue gained wider attention after Ayer Keroh assemblyman Kerk Chee Yee called on the Melaka state government to clarify whether the circular was officially issued. Kerk cautioned that, if accurate, the directive could signal a regressive policy shift that might undermine Melaka’s reputation as a diverse and tourism-friendly state. He urged state leaders to intervene and correct the matter if necessary.
The circular in question reportedly addressed enquiries received by the religious department regarding the display of Christmas decorations at halal-certified hotels and food outlets. It stated that such decorations were not permitted within halal-certified premises on the grounds that Christmas is a religious observance rather than a cultural celebration, and that its symbols could raise concerns related to faith.
However, the document also indicated that hotel managements could place Christmas decorations in sections of their properties that are not halal-certified, suggesting a partial allowance rather than an outright ban across entire establishments.
Dr Akmal’s remarks reflect growing calls for a clearer and more consistent understanding of halal standards, particularly in multicultural settings. By emphasising that halal certification hinges on food origins and preparation methods, he reiterated the need for policies that uphold religious principles without creating unnecessary divisions or confusion during festive seasons.
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