KL Hotel Says 'Non-Halal Lift' Is Requirement By Authorities After Question By Siti Kasim
Human rights activist and lawyer Siti Kasim wanted the rationale for the separation of lifts.
By May Vin Ang — 05 Oct 2022, 11:46 AM
A 'non-halal lift' sign found in a hotel in Kuala Lumpur drew dissatisfaction from netizens after it was brought to light by human rights activist and lawyer Siti Kasim
"So, a friend of mine took this photo at [Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur]. Can the hotel explain the rationale behind this?" she wrote on Twitter and Instagram on Monday, 3 October.
Even after Twitter users explained that the sign is most probably used to label the hotel's service lifts that are used to transport non-halal products, she questioned the need for the separation.
"So, what's next? Roads that carry non-halal stuff and Grab cars that carry passengers with non-halal things? Where does it stop?" she asked.
Some netizens also expressed disappointment over the segregation, while others defended the action.
The hotel has since responded that the lift is designated as such in keeping with halal licensing requirements set by authorities
"The segregation of halal and non-halal relates to the movement of goods and perishable items and is part of halal-certification requirements for the hotel's back of house operations such as service lifts," Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur replied in a comment on Siti's Instagram post.
The management has also assured her that they have reworded the sign for "clearer understanding"
According to The Star, the ruling by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) says hotels have to adhere to high levels of hygiene and food quality, in addition to pork-free and alcohol-free conditions, to maintain their halal certification.
