Consumers are more well-informed now, and they understand that a “no pork, no lard” signage does not mean an eatery has been certified halal, according to Gerakan president Dominic Lau.
Lau said that consumers know what to choose and what to avoid. “So, I don’t see the use of such a phrase as inherently misleading,” he told FMT.
“The focus should be on transparency and education, not overregulation,” he added.
Lau was commenting on a reminder by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) that eateries that do not carry a halal certification are prohibited from displaying signages touting “no pork no lard” or “Muslim-friendly” menus.
The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) issues the certification.
Under the Trade Descriptions Act 2011, JAIS explained that the law prohibits any use of terms or labels that could mislead consumers.
Lau went on to say that the “no pork, no lard” phrase is a factual description of what is not served, and it should not be assumed that the food is halal.
Such signages are also beneficial for Hindus who do not consume the meat for health reasons.
“A restaurant taking the initiative not to serve pork or lard deserves recognition, even if they are not certified halal.”
However, former religious affairs minister Mujahid Yusof Rawa said eateries seeking to penetrate the Muslim market should not rely on such labels.
“Instead of using that phrase, just get the halal certification. It is straightforward,” the Amanah deputy president said when contacted.
Like Lau, Mujahid also said the “no pork, no lard” label should not be misconstrued to mean that the food is certified halal.
But in some cases, halal certification is “not a must”, he added.
For instance, he said, stalls patronised by Muslims for generations, can sometimes carry as much weight as formal certification.
“When something has been trusted for generations, we don’t need certification,” he added.
