Cenbet takes Jakim to task

PETALING JAYA: Halal certified eateries should not be penalised by the Islamic Affairs Department (Jakim) for allowing diners to bring in non-halal certified food into their premises.
Centre for a Better Tomorrow (Cenbet) said while eateries can ban patrons from bringing in outside food, this should not be based on halal-certification of the food.
"Rightfully, Jakim's halal certification applies only to food served in F&B outlets. There is no such thing as halal or non-halal premises. While eateries have the right to ban patrons from bringing in outside food, the decision should be based on commercial considerations and not whether the food is halal certified or not," Cenbet said in a statement today.
The statement was in response to McDonald's Malaysia restricting customers from bringing cakes that are not halal-certified into its restaurants.
A local portal reported the fast food chain explained that the measure was necessary to safeguard its own halal status.
Cenbet said that this move would open floodgates for more areas to be classified along halal and non-halal lines such as public transportation, schools, housing areas and healthcare.
"This will only segregate people along religious lines, especially at a time when there is a need to enhance unity in the face of rising extremism," it said further.