'Hindu deity on bottles may invoke worship'

 

A picture of a Hindu deity next to a halal logo on a mineral water bottle label may contain "elements of worship", said Muslim Consumers Association Malaysia (PPIM).

PPIM chief activist Nadzim Johan said this may point to "malicious intent" on the part of company Chuan Sin Sdn Bhd, for producing such bottles.

As such, he said, PPIM will lodge a police report on the matter tomorrow.

He also urged the Islamic Development Department (Jakim), which issues halal certification, to investigate.

Nadzim (left) said he received a complaint about the matter yesterday stating that the image of Hindu deity Lord Murugan is placed next to the halal logo on the water bottles.

"We were sent pictures of the bottles and when we went to some grocery stores, the Cactus water bottles bear the image (of Lord Murugan).

"It is insensitive since the image is placed next to the halal logo.

"It would be a different thing if there is no halal logo," he said.

However, he said, he has not contacted Chuan Sin Sdn Bhd - which also produces bottles for the brand Spritzer -  to obtain clarification on the matter.

Malaysiakini's checks found that Cactus labels feature different tourist destinations in Malaysia, including Petaling Street and the Batu Caves temple which has a large statue of Lord Murugan.

The campaign is part of Visit Malaysia Year 2014.

The picture of the tourist spot is placed next to the manufacturers content and not directly next to the halal logo.