Former Selangor state executive councillor, Teng Chang Khim criticised those upset over the posting of a video clip promoting “nasi kandar babi” (mixed rice with pork) on claims that it may create confusion among Muslims.
Going by that logic, he said, then Muslims should also stop selling versions of Chinese foods that traditionally contain pork or lard.
“If that were the logic that Muslims could be so easily misled and confused, then all Muslims should stop selling “dim sum”, “yong tau fu”, “chee cheong fun” – which literally means pork intestines (referring to the name, not ingredients) – and all other Chinese foods, (that) largely contain pork and lard to avoid Muslims being misled and confused,” he said on Facebook.
Teng was referring to an article, where the Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (Presma) voiced disagreement with the posting of a video clip promoting “nasi kandar” with a pork dish.
Yesterday, Presma president Jawahar Ali Taib Khan was reported to have said the action was considered a form of insult to the “nasi kandar” industry – which is known to have been pioneered by Muslim restaurant operators for decades.
“Presma thinks that it will cause confusion to customers and ‘nasi kandar’ fans in this country as well as give a negative image to this much-loved menu.
“Thus, Presma would like to emphasise that the ‘nasi kandar’ served at all Presma members’ premises throughout the country is guaranteed halal and free from substances forbidden by Islam,” he said in a statement.
“Nasi kandar” is a popular dish from Penang, originally introduced by Tamil Muslim traders from India.
Jawahar Ali also advised all content creators to be more sensitive to food matters that are associated with Muslims.
Previously Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing asked ministry officials to examine the possibility of officially recognising “bak kut teh” as a traditional Malaysian heritage food.
He said in addition to the traditional version of the non-halal ingredient that uses pork, his ministry will look into the halal version that has chicken. – Malaysiakini