KUALA LUMPUR: Names of food items do not determine whether or not they are halal, says PAS’ Nik Abduh Nik Aziz.
“Whether it’s halal or haram does not lie in the name.
“Hot dog is a name that has been around for a long time,” he told reporters when met at Parliament lobby on Wednesday.
The PAS Youth chief added that he was confident the issue was not about the name.
“It is compulsory for all food and beverage companies to obtain halal certification.
“Maybe it’s best not to give names that can cause confusion as I think the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) was asking for the change to overcome the confusion.
“Perhaps the company in question should get a clarification from Jakim on what the real issue is,” he said.
Jakim has recommended that pretzel store franchise Auntie Anne’s change the name of its “Pretzel Dog” to “Pretzel Sausage” in order to receive a halal certification.
Earlier Wednesday, Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz said the issue was “ridiculous”.
“My Muslim-ness is not at all affected by eating a hot dog. I think I want to eat a hotdog now. There is no need for this. It’s a stupid issue,” he said.- source thestaronline
