KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 — Most Muslim respondents in a small survey here say they understand the difference between the “pork-free” signage used by some eateries and the halal certification issued by religious authorities.

The survey by Malay Mail Online, which interviewed about 20 Muslims randomly at a mall here yesterday, also saw some respondents categorising the issue as a storm in a teacup, with one saying he saw no reason why it is making media headlines.

Of the 20, 15 or 75 per cent said they know what the terms “pork-free” or “no pork” mean, with some adding that they have no qualms dining at eateries that use such signage, as long as they find the outlets clean.

“It is not a matter…I would eat there as long my conscience says it is okay,” a 37-year-old personal assistant of a private firm here said when approached.

An IT executive from an oil and gas firm, who only wanted to be known as Is, said the issue, triggered last weekend when a government official suggested punishing eateries using “pork-free” signs, was being blown out of proportion.

“I don’t see what is the issue with the ‘no pork’ sign that it has to make headlines in some newspapers,” he said.

Consumers who were not comfortable with patronising such restaurants, he said, could choose to dine elsewhere.

Maintenance executive Nor Azizi does not believe that operators put up ‘no pork served’ signs in order to confuse Muslims or to lure them into their premises. — Picture by Saw Siow Feng

Meanwhile, 35-year-old executive Nor Azizi Abdul Aziz praised restaurateurs that put up such signs.

He said he does not believe that these operators were doing so in order to confuse Muslims or to lure them into their premises.

“Muslims know what halal and these signs mean, so I really don’t think restaurant operators are putting these signs up to purposely attract Muslims,” he said.

Several respondents, however, agreed that “pork-free” signs could be deceiving as their purpose and objectives were unclear.

Mas Syafiqah Mansor, 25, said she has eaten at such restaurants on several occasions but would only order fish.

“When I go [to] Japanese restaurants, I only eat fish-based sushi and not touch the others because I’m not sure how the meat was processed,” she said.

Customer service officer Ain Suhaimi, (left) feels that it is ‘un-Islamic’ to go to a restaurant that does not have the halal certification. — Picture by Saw Siow Feng

Another respondent, Ain Suhaimi, 22, said it was “un-Islamic” to go to a restaurant that does not have the halal certification from the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim).

“It is up to the government to act on this because we will never step into a non-halal restaurant,” said the customer service officer.

Last weekend, Malay daily Berita Harian (BH) quoted Domestic Trade, Consumerism and Co-operatives Ministry enforcement director Mohd Roslan Mahayudin as saying that action can be taken against restaurants with the “no pork” sign, accusing them of attempting to deceive Muslims into dining at their premises.

National news agency Bernama quoted Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin as saying Tuesday that his ministry will select a specific definition to avoid any confusion over “pork free” signs at eateries.