KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6 — Federal Islamic authorities have warned a mineral water bottler that they will suspend its “halal” certification if the manufacturer continues to use the image of a Hindu deity on its labels.
Addressing the complaint raised by the Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) against bottler Chuan Sin Sdn Bhd, the federal Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM) said the placement of the image contravened the conditions imposed as part of the certification process.
“If the company refuses to change it, we can suspend the halal certificate issued to the product,” JAKIM director-general Datuk Othman Mustapha was quoted as saying by state news agency Bernama yesterday.
PPIM first complained of the issue on Tuesday, accusing the bottler of being insensitive towards Muslims with the placement of a picture of Lord Murugan, a hindu deity, near the “halal” logo on the labels of its Cactus brand mineral water.
Yesterday, the firm explained in a statement here that the photograph was actually of Batu Caves and was selected as part of the company’s promotion of tourism hotspots in Malaysia in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2014.
It added Batu Caves was chosen as it is an “awe-inspiring” landmark and a major tourism draw in Malaysia.
“We would like to stress that it was never our intention to be disrespectful, cause unease or offend anyone,” Chuan Sin Sdn Bhd deputy general manager Chong Mee Yoong said, before thanking members of the public for raising the issue to the firm’s attention.
As added reassurance, Chong said all mineral water bottles featuring the Batu Caves photograph will be removed from the shelves.
The firm will also cease production of bottle with that particular label, she said.
