KUCHING, Dec 20 2025: Federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing has slammed the Melaka government over the ban imposed on hotels against putting up Christmas decorations that have Malaysian Halal Certificate (SPHM).
Tiong King Sing: What image will we convey to the international community?
He said such action has the potential to damage the image of Melaka and Malaysia as an international tourist destination.
According to Jabatan Agama Islam Melaka (JAIM), the decoration ban only applies to kitchens and dining rooms that have halal certification and does not cover the entire hotel area.
Spaces that are not included in the halal certification scope, such as hotel lobbies or other public areas, are not subject to the decoration ban.
Tiong said he would like to emphasize that in the context of this plural society, Christmas celebrations are more about festive decorations and cultural expression.
“Every hotel should have the freedom to decorate within reasonable limits, including restaurants,” the Bintulu MP said, asking that “If the most basic right to decorate is questioned, what perception will be formed of our country?”
“What image will we convey to the international community? Melaka is a tourist city, which attracts tourists from all over the world.
“Not only has a rich historical heritage but also a combination of various cultures, religions, philosophies, and arts—this is Melaka's most valuable core value and attraction.
“Regarding this issue, I have received feedback from several international tourists who are confused and consider Melaka to be unfriendly in terms of religious and cultural tolerance.
“This perception contradicts Malaysia’s long-standing image as a multi-racial and multi-religious country in the international community,” he stressed.
Tiong said his concern goes beyond the interpretation of the regulations themselves; it lies in the impact this exaggerated issue will have on the international image of Melaka and Malaysia.
“We should not allow issues that should not be sensationalized to become political, religious or racial controversies,” he said, stressing that from an outside perspective, such discussions not only fail to help tourists understand the system but also easily lead to misunderstandings.
“In reality, this is just a festive decoration issue, but it has been exaggerated, into a racial and religious controversy, which only confuses the community and the outside world.
“Many people, both local and international, find it difficult to understand why a simple decoration matter has become such a big issue.
“We must remember that Malaysia is a multi-racial and multi-religious country, and this diversity and inclusiveness are core values that Malaysia is proud of,” he said.
Tiong said he has stressed in Parliament that one of the most important priorities is to attract more international tourists to Malaysia.
He said Visit Malaysia Year 2026 is of great importance to the country, and all states share this responsibility.
“If communication or handling of issues leads to doubts about Malaysia’s diversity and inclusiveness, then all previous efforts will be significantly affected, if not in vain.
“Therefore, I urge religious leaders to return to the table of dialogue and communication, resolving differences through discussion and mutual understanding, rather than allowing misunderstandings to linger,” he added.
He said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has long been committed to promoting interfaith dialogue, by bringing together religious leaders to exchange ideas and deliberate — a very important and valuable effort at the national level.
He said the same spirit should be reflected in the implementation and communication at the state level.
He expressed his hope that the Melaka state government, especially the departments related to religious affairs and tourism, will strengthen coordination and proactively provide clear explanations to the public and international tourists.
He said all parties have focused their efforts on promoting Melaka, adding that he does not want this issue to leave a negative impact on Melaka at this crucial time of Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
“The role of the state government should be to maintain harmony between different religions and ethnic groups, resolve misunderstandings through clear communication and rational handling, rather than magnifie minor issues and create more conflicts and unnecessary confusion.
“Only on the basis of mutual respect and tolerance can Melaka continue to be a model of multiculturalism, allowing the world to truly see the values of humanity, harmony, and unity that Malaysia upholds,” Tiong added.
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