ikea: the aftermath of non-halal sausages

So here's the latest regulation from the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry. Wholly foreign owned eateries are required to have a minimum paid-up capital of RM1 million with 30% Bumiputra equity.

Could this regulation be in any way related to the latest drama concerning non-halal sausages in IKEA's restaurants? It could be; as a way of controlling what goes into the hands and ultimately the mouths of its Muslim patrons. After all, in this country, Bumiputra often equates to Muslim.

Or perhaps it's just another sign of fear, fear of incompetence and the inability to survive in a level playing field, not dissimilar to the endless amount of protection that national carmaker Proton demands from the government.

In any case, IKEA has been a very responsible corporate citizen. It has proceeded to perform the religious cleansing of its restaurants allegedly serving the non-halal sausages. However, despite its prompt action, IKEA would only be reopening the restaurants once it has validated and verified its halal certifications. I'd say it's a commendable effort from IKEA.

On the down side

However, one cannot deny the negative publicity this whole saga has brought to the nation. We pride ourselves as being a regional halal hub. Yet right now in the midst of an upmarket location, we find ourselves in hot soup. Do we have the right personnel to perform constant checks? Do we have enough enforcement? Do we have the right mentality to ensure that our foodstuff is indeed halal?

I guess it boils down to self enforcement. Any responsible Muslim would not try to cheat other Muslims by faking halal certifications. And, hopefully in a trulyUnited nation, non-Muslims would understand and accept the halal requirements in the Muslim faith.