Malaysians take note, from now onwards, you can only bring in Halal certified cakes into McDonald’s!
McDonald’s explained to FMT that this was just to follow Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia’s (JAKIM) guidelines. They posted a notice in their restaurants which read,
“As a company that only offers Halal certified products, we practice not allowing consumers to bring in outside food to ensure that all products in the premises are Halal.”
“However, we have an exception for celebrations and birthdays and allow customers to bring in their own cakes, but on the condition that it is Halal certified.”
source: the star
McDonald’s would like to keep their Halal certification from JAKIM valid by continuously following their guidelines.
So, if outsiders were to bring in non-Halal food into the restaurant, the sanctity of the premise would be at stake.
When contacted by the press, the fast food chain’s representative explained,
“It is important for all customers to follow this rule without any exceptions because it involves the status of McDonald’s Halal certification in Malaysia.”
JAKIM also explained to the press that their guidelines are to ensure that there should not be a mixture of ingredients and doubts in a premise that has a Halal status.
That would mean the company of the premise should be responsible enough to ensure they follow all of JAKIM’s guidelines.
“Whatever product that is in the Halal-status premises should also be certified Halal.”
“When celebrating birthdays in McDonald’s for example, customers should contact the management first. Then, it is the management’s responsibility to ensure (that the foods brought in are Halal).”
This definitely includes all non-Muslims to follow the guidelines, the JAKIM official said.
So make sure the cake you’re bringing into McDonald’s is Halal, people. Otherwise… no birthday cake for you. *cries*
