Should those Malays stop their business for fear of causing “confusion”?

Root beer, hot dogs   

This is not just a theoretical issue. In 2016, the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) ruled that the name “hot dog” cannot be used in a halal-certified outlet.

Before that, in 2009, the words “root beer” were deemed unacceptable. This was reported worldwide and one wonders if it damaged Malaysia's reputation to be “moderate”.

Nobody in their right mind would think that hot dogs actually have dog meat. The local Mat Burger stalls had been selling hot dogs for decades before it was deemed “inappropriate”. 

And Malays have been drinking root beer (which we know has no alcohol) at fast food chain A&W since the 1970s. I doubt their faith was jeopardised.

Roti John

If names are so “allergic”, then Roti John (bread with meat and eggs) should also be banned or renamed. After all, maybe someone will claim that it's “insulting” that a food commonly sold by Malays is named after one of the disciples of Jesus. So, should it be called Roti Johan instead?

In 2006, the Malaysian Islamic Consumer Association (PPIM) raised the issue of a tiny cross on a crown logo on a Wall's ice cream biscuit. It then warned the company to respect the rights of Muslim consumers.

In 2016, it claimed that “no pork” or “pork-free” signs at eateries were intended to mislead Muslims into thinking that they were halal.

The Pahang Islamic Religious Department even ordered food outlets in that state not to use such signs to avoid, yes, “confusing” the public.

What about Malay riders delivering non-halal food? Sure, it’s all wrapped in plastic and supposedly placed in different compartments of the motorbike box. But consider that the authorities insist that larger hotels should have separate lifts for non-halal food.

If this is the mindset, should Malays be banned from selling satay at Chinese kopitiams? Why? Well, how can they work in such non-halal places? Isn’t there a danger that some “unclean” vapours may be inhaled?

Halal laundry

The point is that this pursuit of moral purity can go really far. How about a “halal laundry” which refuses to serve non-Muslim customers? As happened at Muar in 2017?

However, the Johor sultan called this “extreme” and of a “narrow mindset”. He pointed out that ringgit notes may have also come in contact with pork or liquor sellers.

“Will the government then have to produce Muslim-friendly money?” asked His Majesty.

More important issues

In the pork nasi kandar case, Penang mufti Wan Salim Mohd Noor says he sees nothing wrong with it as long as there is a clear notice for Muslims about the ingredients.

I do enjoy eating my nasi kandar. But prices can give a mini heart attack once a bit of sotong or prawns are put in. I do wonder why Malay nasi campur is much cheaper, even with seafood? 

Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli has criticised the attitude of certain restaurants for not lowering their prices despite the falling cost of raw ingredients. Was he referring to nasi kandar outlets?

I’ve also come across my share of not-so-clean restaurants. If you ask me, inflated prices and poor hygiene are more insulting to nasi kandar than someone selling a porky version of it to non-Muslims.

These are issues that Presma can improve on rather than creating an unnecessary controversy.