Restaurant groups reject call to ascertain diners’ religious beliefs

PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan’s suggestion for non-Muslim eateries without halal certification to turn away Muslim patrons is labelled ‘half-baked’.

(FMT) – Two restaurant groups have panned PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan, describing his call for non-Muslim eateries without halal certification to turn away Muslim patrons as “ridiculous” and “half-baked”.

Jeremy Lim, vice-president and media liaison officer for the Restaurant and Bistro Owners Association, said it would be extremely difficult to enforce such a policy.

“I find it silly that anyone would suggest diverting the responsibility or onus of checking on who dines at their premises onto the operator, whose core responsibility is to ensure diners have a safe and comfortable dining experience,” he told FMT.

He urged politicians not to air “half-baked” suggestions and ideas publicly to avoid causing confusion and creating tension among members of the public.

On Tuesday, Takiyuddin expressed support for a proposal by the Malaysian Islamic development department (Jakim) to make halal certification mandatory for non-Muslim restaurants and food operators that do not serve pork or alcohol.

He said the move was intended to safeguard the right of Muslims to enjoy food without fear of being misled.

Takiyuddin said non-Muslim restaurant and eatery owners should not serve Muslim patrons without a halal certificate, nor should they be allowed to give the impression that the products offered can be enjoyed by Muslims.

He was responding to DAP vice-chairman Teresa Kok’s opposition to Jakim’s proposal on grounds that it would impose significant burdens on small businesses, restrict consumer freedom and undermine Malaysia’s cultural diversity.

However, Lim said the responsibility of deciding where to dine must fall squarely on the shoulders of consumers themselves, who must, if necessary, inquire into the premises’ halal certification.

“Consumers have a choice as to whether to patronise an establishment,” he added.

 

‘Unfair’

Malaysian Indian Restaurant Owners Association (Primas) president J Govindasamy said restaurant operators should not be required to inquire into the religious beliefs of their customers.

He said it would be ridiculous to expect restaurants to turn away customers based on their religious beliefs.

“For us, the more customers patronise our businesses, the more revenue we get. We would be very happy to welcome them,” he said.

He said it would be unfair for restaurant operators to take the fall if Muslim customers choose to dine with them.

“We give a true impression of the food and services we offer,” he said, adding that it was for customers to assess whether the food is suitable for their consumption.

“We cannot be blamed for how others form their own opinions,” he added.