KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 ― A Muslim consumers group today demanded authorities punish a mineral water bottler for using the image of a Hindu god on its labels, claiming its placement near a “halal” logo was insensitive.
Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia (PPIM) claimed that it was wrong for bottlers Chuan Sin Sdn Bhd to use the image of Lord Murugan, a Hindu deity, on its labels as it was offensive to the country’s Muslim community.
“How can Chuan Sin place the picture of another god next to the halal logo? This is a very sensitive issue to the Muslims of the country.
“We will make a police report and urge all Islamic authorities and NGOs to stop or hold sales of this brand of mineral water until we can resolve this matter,” PPIM chief Datuk Nazim Johan said.
Chuan Sin Sdn Bhd produces mineral water under the Cactus and Spritzer brands in their factory in Perak.
PPIM head of monitoring and financial services, Sheikh Abdul Kareem, claimed the practice violated the Trade Descriptions Act, which states that no religious symbols may be used on the label or packaging of a product.
“As a mineral water manufacturer, they should be more sensitive. This action is a disgrace to the religion of the constitution, which is Islam. We urge the Home Ministry to take action and tell them to respect that,” said Sheikh Abdul.
“If they sell it without using the halal logo, it won’t be a problem but when you have both, it will definitely cause confusion among the Muslim community,” he said.
PPIM officer Mohd Mustaffa Hamzah said that they hope the government takes this matter seriously.
“Insyallah we will make a police report tomorrow,” he said.
