The dessert section offers log cake in assorted flavours, Christmas cookies, fruit cake and apple crumble. — GLENN GUAN/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Local bakery chain, Berry’s Cake House, has apologised for misinterpreting the ruling on Christmas greetings.
“This incident occurred due to our misinterpretation of the requirements of our halal certification,” said the bakery in a statement yesterday.
According to the bakery, it came to know that there were no restrictions on halal certificate holders writing festive greetings on cakes after the clarification from Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.
“We deeply regret any inconvenience caused to our valued customers. We are most happy to take orders with celebratory festive greetings,” it added.
On Dec 16, an internal memo from the bakery sparked widespread attention after it told its staff not to write “Merry Christmas” or “Xmas” on their cakes, even on requests from customers.
Instead, employees were told they could provide a “Season’s Greetings” topper.
In the circular dated Dec 14 and signed by the bakery’s operations manager, the justification for its decision was to comply with and meet the halal certification requirements by the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (Jakim).
However, Mohd Na’im later said there were no restrictions on festive greetings on cakes. This was followed by a statement from Jakim on Monday that there was no prohibition on halal-certified bakeries from writing any festive greetings.
Jakim also said it would continue to review and re-evaluate the Malaysian Halal Certification Procedure Manual (MPPHM).
