KUALA LUMPUR: Berry's Cake House, a local cake company, issued an apology following a misunderstanding related to Christmas greetings.
The company expressed regret for any confusion or unintended offence caused by their previous communication.
In a statement today, the bakery stated that it had received clarification from the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, indicating that there were no restrictions imposed on halal certificate holders to write holiday greetings on cakes.
"We sincerely apologise to all our customers regarding the incident.
"This incident occurred due to our misinterpretation of the requirements of our halal certification," said the bakery's management.
An internal message from the bakery on Dec 16 instructed employees not to write "Xmas" or "Merry Christmas" on their cakes, even if clients specifically request it.
Mohd Na'im clarified that a viral post displaying an internal memo from a local bakery, suggesting that writing "Merry Christmas" or "Xmas" on cakes could result in the retraction of Halal certifications, is false.
Previously, the New Straits Times reported Jakim clarified the claim by the bakery on the 'Merry Christmas' greeting on cakes.
The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) has denied banning a bakery with a halal certificate from having Christmas greetings on its cakes and other food products.
In a statement on their official Facebook, Jakim said all halal certificate holders face no such restrictions, including any celebratory greetings on cakes or similar items.
It also clarified that the issue was addressed on Dec 25, 2020, and on Nov 1 this year and that it has maintained a consistent stance on the matter.
"Once again, we must inform you that there are no restrictions for premises holding the Malaysian Halal Certification (SPHM) to write anything related to a festive greeting on cakes and other things," said JAKIM in the statement.