Hindu-based non-governmental organisation (NGO), Malaysia Hindhudharma Maamandram, is calling out local eatery franchise, US Pizza Malaysia, over the depiction of Lord Murugan on their packaging.
Taking to their Facebook page, the National Malaysia Hindhudharma Maamandram official media statement highlighted why they believe the inclusion of an image of Lord Murugan on the brand’s packaging is problematic.
Hindu NGO calls out US Pizza Malaysia over depiction of Lord Murugan on packaging
They wrote, “We, from the Malaysia Hindhudharma Maamandram, are writing to formally express our deepest concerns and strong condemnation regarding the recent nationwide distribution of the new pizza box design by US Pizza Malaysia.”
“This packaging prominently features the image of Lord Murugan, a highly revered and sacred Hindu deity, placed alongside secular cartoon illustrations of iconic Malaysian landmarks, local animals, and various characters consuming pizza.”
They went on to acknowledge and appreciate US Pizza Malaysia in promoting inclusivity and in celebrating the diverse cultural landscape of Malaysia, but clarified that the execution of the design by including an image of Lord Murugan is flawed and offensive to the Hindu community.
This image is for illustration purposes only.
“The attempt to include Hindu or Indian culture in commercial, disposable packaging, specifically by featuring a major deity, has resulted in an act of sacrilege rather than celebration.”
The Malaysia Hindhudharma Maamandram pointed out that the association of a holy deity on commercial packaging that can contain non-vegetarian food and even food that contains beef is considered prohibited and offensive to the Hindu community as it severely violates religious reverence and sanctity.
They also brought up how the disposable packaging would end up being thrown away as trash, which may be considered as disregard for the holiness of Lord Murugan, on top of the additional impact on the interfaith harmony in Malaysia.
Demand for action
With that being said, the Malaysia Hindhudharma Maamandram demands that US Pizza Malaysia immediately cease the distribution and usage of the packaging, offer a public apology, as well as implement a mandatory process of cultural and religious consultation for all future marketing and packaging materials.
“We urge US Pizza Malaysia to treat this matter with the utmost seriousness it deserves and to take swift remedial action to restore trust within the affected community,” they said.
WORLD OF BUZZ has since reached out to US Pizza Malaysia for comment, but has yet to hear back.
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