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THERE is no prohibition on holders of the Malaysian Halal Verification Certificate (SPHM) to use images, illustrations or decorations related to religious festivals other than Islam as long as it does not affect the principle of Halalan Toyyiban.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Zulkifli Hasan, said the use of decorations, images and illustrations of non-Islamic festivals that are temporary in nature on food products is permitted.
However, he stressed that the use of worship items is not permitted, while the decoration of premises cannot involve the display of SPHM and images of the SPHM halal logo.
"This decision is in line with that of the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) in 2023 which decided that there is no prohibition on SPHM holders using images, illustrations or decorations related to religious festivals other than Islam," he said in a statement reported by Berita Harian.
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.
According to Zulkifli, mutual respect for cultural and religious diversity is part of the identity of a pluralistic society in Malaysia.
He said, in this regard, the industry is encouraged to continue to comply with existing halal standards without disregarding the aspect of racial and religious harmony.
He also advised hotels and food premises that have SPHM to always refer to the relevant halal certification authorities to obtain accurate guidance and explanations from time to time.
"Close cooperation between state Islamic religious authorities, Jakim and industry players is important to ensure that halal policies and guidelines are implemented prudently, thus preserving the purity of Malaysia's halal certification and community harmony," he added. – December 20, 2025