December 23, 2025
MELAKA – The ban on Christmas decorations in halal kitchens should not be blown out of proportions, says Melaka Chief Minsiter Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
Clarifying that the Melaka state government has not banned non-Muslims on religious celebrations, Ab Rauf said that only kitchens with halal certificates are not to have religious -themed decorations in order not to confuse Muslim consumers.
The hotel lobby and other common areas in the hotel are allowed for decorations, said Ab Rauf.
“We do not stop anyone from placing a giant Christmas tree outside their premises,’’ he said this to reporters in a press conference after attending the Conference of Speakers of Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies held in Melaka starting Dec 20 for four days.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of religious affairs Dr Zulkifli Hasan also clarified that there is no ban on Malaysian Halal Certification holders displaying decorations for non-Muslim festivals, including Christmas.
Dr Zulkifli said based on a decision by the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) in 2023 which confirms that halal-certified outlets, including restaurants and hotels, are allowed to use images, illustrations and decorations for non-Muslim festivals.
However, he said that the decorations must not be displayed together with the halal certificate or halal logo.
It was reported that the Melaka Islamic Religious Department (Jaim) issued a circular banning Christmas decorations in kitchen and restaurants of halal certified hotels.
Common areas in hotel without halal certification are allowed to display Christmas decorations.
Khoo Poay Tiong, member of parliament for Kota Melaka, called on Jaim to adhere to the guidelines issued by Jakim two years ago, as clarified by Dr Zulkifli on display of Christmas decorations.
Khoo, who is also the Melaka DAP Chairman, noted that there are many hotels, fast-food restaurants, and food chains in Melaka that have been halal-certified for a long time, serving consumers of various races and different religions.
The ban issued by JAIM could potentially limit the festive spirit, thereby impacting daily social interactions and the atmosphere of harmony within our multi-racial society.
“We also agree with the principle stressed by the Minister that respect for cultural and religious diversity is an essential foundation in building Malaysian society,’’ he said.