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UMNO Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh has publicly opposed a purported directive restricting Christmas decorations in halal-certified hotels and eateries, insisting that festive displays do not affect the food's halal status
The controversy revolves around a circular allegedly issued by the Melaka Islamic Religious Department (JAIM).
The circular reportedly states that Christmas decorations are prohibited in halal-certified areas, mainly kitchens and dining spaces, because Christmas is a religious, not cultural, celebration, and could "cause faith-related issues".
Non-halal-certified areas, such as hotel lobbies and common guest spaces, are reportedly exempt from the restriction, according to Melaka education, higher learning, and religious affairs committee chairman Datuk Rahmad Mariman.
Dr Akmal, who is also a Melaka exco member, urged JAIM to review the circular.
"Decorations have nothing to do with halal status," he said in a Facebook post.
"As long as the food and drinks do not come from haram sources, I believe the food remains halal."
He added that the muftis he consulted with shared the same view.
"Decorations have nothing to do with this," he said.
The issue drew political attention from Ayer Keroh assemblyperson Kerk Chee Yee, who called the circular "backward" and warned it could harm Melaka's reputation as an inclusive tourism destination
He urged the state government to retract the directive to prevent confusion among business owners.
In response, the Melaka education, higher learning, and religious affairs committee chairman clarified today, 19 December, that there is no blanket ban on Christmas decorations.
The restriction applies only to halal-certified food preparation and dining areas, in accordance with the Manual Prosedur Pensijilan Halal Malaysia (Domestik) 2020 by JAKIM, which provides guidelines on religious-themed advertising and displays in certified premises to safeguard sensitivities.
The incident echoes similar incidents in Malaysia, including the 2023 "Berry's Cake House" case
At the time, the bakery mistakenly believed that writing "Merry Christmas" on cakes could affect halal certification. Authorities later clarified that festive greetings and decorations do not compromise halal status.
