Melaka, Malaysia – Hotels in Melaka are permitted to display Christmas decorations, but restrictions apply to kitchens and restaurants holding halal certification, according to an official statement.
Christmas Decorations Allowed in Melaka Hotels, With Halal Restrictions
A circular issued to hoteliers does not impose a blanket ban on Christmas decorations on hotel premises, clarified the Melaka education, higher learning and religious affairs committee chairman, Datuk Rahmad Mariman.
The restrictions are limited to food preparation areas and dining outlets that have been granted halal certification, Mariman said. Hotel managements are free to decorate areas within their premises that do not carry halal certification, including lobbies and common areas.
Mariman was responding to public concerns following a circular issued by the Melaka Islamic Religious Department outlining guidelines on decorations in kitchens and restaurants within halal-certified hotels.
Halal certification is governed by the Manual Prosedur Pensijilan Halal Malaysia (Domestik) 2020, as stipulated by the Islamic Development Department Malaysia, which includes provisions related to decorations, services, and religious-themed advertising within certified halal kitchens.
“In this context and in the interest of safeguarding sensitivities in a multiracial and multireligious society, any form of decorative display or symbols related to religious celebrations are not permitted within kitchens and the main dining areas of halal-certified restaurants,” Mariman said.
The measure aims to ensure clarity in halal status and prevent confusion among consumers. It also applies to advertising or decoration contradicting the principles of ‘Hukum Syarak’ or highlighting inappropriate elements that could negatively affect Malaysia’s halal certification integrity.
However, there are no restrictions on festive decorations for Christmas or other celebrations such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, or Deepavali in areas of hotels that are not halal-certified.
“For example, hotel lobbies or other non-halal-certified areas are free to be decorated according to the suitability of the business, provided that all relevant laws and local authority regulations are complied with,” Mariman added.
Mariman emphasized that the approach is not intended to deny any party the right to celebrate their festivities, but rather to preserve the integrity of halal certification while maintaining harmony in Malaysia’s plural society. Compliance with halal certification requirements is compulsory once certification has been obtained.
He expressed hope that all parties would understand the matter and respect the established guidelines, refraining from raising issues that could undermine social harmony.
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