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THE ban on displaying religious decorations, services or advertising in the premises and kitchens of hotels that have halal certification aims to protect the sensitivity of all parties and preserve the integrity of the certificate.
Melaka Education, Higher Education and Religious Affairs Exco, Datuk Rahmad Mariman said that all premises or products that are certified halal are subject to the Malaysian Halal Certification Procedure Manual (Domestic) 2020 set by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM).
According to him, the ruling includes a ban on displaying any religious decorations, services or advertising in the kitchens and main areas of restaurants or premises that have obtained halal certification.
“To protect the sensitivity of the multi-racial and religious community, any display of decorations or symbols related to religious festivals is not allowed in the kitchens and main areas of halal-certified restaurants.
"This is to ensure clarity on halal status and avoid confusion among consumers," he said in a statement on Friday.
Earlier, a circular issued by the Malacca Islamic Religious Department (Jaim) regarding the use of Christmas decorations at hotels and halal-certified food premises in Melaka went viral.
Through the circular, the Melaka Halal Certification Panel Meeting which convened on October 31 unanimously agreed that decorations for the festival are not allowed in the kitchens or outlets of halal-certified hotels because it is a religious and not a cultural celebration.
However, the same circular explained that there is no obstacle for hotel management to make decorations in hotel areas that are not halal-certified.
Meanwhile, Rahmad said that the ban also involves any form of advertising or decoration that is contrary to the principles of Islamic Law, contains elements that are indecent, contradicts morality or can have negative implications for Malaysia's Halal Certification.
Strong backlash
Earlier, Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh called on Jaim to reconsider the directive.
The Merlimau assemblyman said halal status for food and beverages is “100 per cent based on the source of the ingredients and the method of preparation, not on the decoration in the kitchen or at the dining outlet.”
Ayer Keroh assemblyman Kerk Chee Yee also questioned the state government on whether the circular, purportedly issued by Jaim, forbids such decorations because Christmas is a religious celebration.
Kerk described the move as a backward step and urged the state to retract the directive, highlighting that hotels and restaurants regularly decorate for various festivities to welcome all guests.
He said the ban risks creating confusion for businesses and could affect Melaka’s tourism-driven economy and reputation as an inclusive destination.
DAP Melaka said it views seriously and expresses concern regarding the directive which has a negative impact on entrepreneurs and affects the image of Melaka as a tourist state.
It said Melaka receives various visitors from home and abroad and it is common practice for hotels and food premises in Malaysia to display greetings and decorations according to festive seasons including Hari Raya; Deepavali; Chinese New Year and Christmas.
It said that festive decorations should not be an issue because Malaysia is a plural country and the practice of celebrating cultural diversity and festivals has long been the basis of national harmony and unity. – December 19, 2025