<p>The Malaysian government has been urged to ban the serving of beef to respect the sentiments of Hindus and Buddhists at official events, amid debates about religious sensitivities in the country. The proposal to extend the restrictions to beef was put forward by the newly formed opposition party Parti Hati Rakyat Malaysia (Hati), led by Chan Tse Yuen. Chan urged the cabinet to consider banning beef at all official banquets, just as pork and alcohol are avoided out of respect for Muslim sensitivities. This followed controversy over alcohol being served at an official tourism event.</p><h2>What is the proposal on beef in Malaysia?</h2><p>In his proposal, Chan said beef should be barred to honour the dietary restrictions of Malaysia’s Hindus who are around 7 per cent of the population, as well as certain Buddhist communities. Seeing “true religious respect and equality” in Malaysia’s multiracial society, he criticised the inconsistency highlighted by the recent controversy over alcohol.</p><h2>What is the recent controversy over alcohol in Malaysia?</h2><p>Alcohol was served at a government-hosted gala dinner for the Global Travel Meet 2025, prompting outrage. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim publicly reprimanded tourism minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing on October 7 for allowing alcohol at the event.&nbsp;</p><p>Muslim-majority Malaysia has a &nbsp;longstanding practice of prohibiting alcohol and non-halal foods like pork at official functions to respect Islamic norms.</p><p>The alcohol incident sparked strong reactions from conservative Muslim groups and political figures. &nbsp;United Malays National Organisation president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi threatened to escalate the matter to the cabinet.&nbsp;</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/thousands-of-live-turtles-in-suitcase-indian-national-arrested-at-kuala-lumpur-airport-1754636432419">Thousands of live turtles in suitcase: Indian national arrested at Kuala Lumpur airport</a></p><h2>Some prominent voices in Malaysia favour ban on beef at official events</h2><p>Political commentator Prof James Chin said in Focus Malaysia that the government’s enforcement of Islamic norms without similar consideration for non-Muslim religious dietary practices is “hypocritical.” Banning beef alongside alcohol at such events, &nbsp;would be a fair trade-off to respect all communities he argued. He also criticised the PM for reprimanding the minister, attributing it to pandering to right-wing political pressures.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pla-announces-south-china-sea-drill-with-malaysia-as-japan-philippines-exercise-begins-1759977322455/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/pla-announces-south-china-sea-drill-with-malaysia-as-japan-philippines-exercise-begins-1759977322455/embed</a></p><h2>Beef ban at government events: Proposal sparks debate in Malaysia</h2><p>While still at the discussion state, the proposal has sparked a lively debate about religious equity and multicultural coexistence in the southeast Asian nation.&nbsp;</p><p>Some Hindu and Buddhist groups are supportive of the beef ban proposal, calling the idea an overdue recognition of their beliefs. Chan Tse Yuen said in a social media post, “Malaysia preaches tolerance but must practice mutual understanding.” Prof James Chin echoed this sentiment, saying, “If alcohol is banned for Muslims, beef should be for Hindus—it's hypocritical otherwise.”</p><p>But others warned that such measures could lead to increasingly restrictive food bans at official events. One user joked, “Slippery slope... at this point ban EVERYTHING @ official events, just bring H2O.” Another asked, “Wow, what about chicken Chan?” questioning whether restrictions might extend beyond beef.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-modi-likely-to-meet-at-asean-summit-in-malaysia-after-imposition-of-tariffs-by-us-1759375146742">Trump, Modi likely to meet at ASEAN summit in Malaysia after imposition of tariffs by US</a></p><h2>Food and religion: A delicate balance in Malaysia</h2><p>This debate is symptomatic of Malaysia’s challenge in balancing the Islamic majority’s norms with the rights and customs of minority communities. The tug of war is between consistency for all groups and mutual respect, while opponents fear that such moves could deepen societal divisions.</p><p>If a beef ban at official functions does happen, it would mark a significant precedent in Malaysia’s management of its multicultural and multireligious landscape.</p>

A proposal in Malaysia to ban beef at official events is leading to debate in the southeast Asian nation. It is a question of food habits versus religious sensitivity and equality.



The Malaysian government has been urged to ban the serving of beef to respect the sentiments of Hindus and Buddhists at official events, amid debates about religious sensitivities in the country. The proposal to extend the restrictions to beef was put forward by the newly formed opposition party Parti Hati Rakyat Malaysia (Hati), led by Chan Tse Yuen. Chan urged the cabinet to consider banning beef at all official banquets, just as pork and alcohol are avoided out of respect for Muslim sensitivities. This followed controversy over alcohol being served at an official tourism event. What is the proposal on beef in Malaysia? In his proposal, Chan said beef should be barred to honour the dietary restrictions of Malaysia’s Hindus who are around 7 per cent of the population, as well as certain Buddhist communities. Seeing “true religious respect and equality” in Malaysia’s multiracial society, he criticised the inconsistency highlighted by the recent controversy over alcohol. What is the recent controversy over alcohol in Malaysia? Alcohol was served at a government-hosted gala dinner for the Global Travel Meet 2025, prompting outrage. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim publicly reprimanded tourism minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing on October 7 for allowing alcohol at the event. Muslim-majority Malaysia has a longstanding practice of prohibiting alcohol and non-halal foods like pork at official functions to respect Islamic norms. The alcohol incident sparked strong reactions from conservative Muslim groups and political figures. United Malays National Organisation president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi threatened to escalate the matter to the cabinet. Also read: Thousands of live turtles in suitcase: Indian national arrested at Kuala Lumpur airport Some prominent voices in Malaysia favour ban on beef at official events Political commentator Prof James Chin said in Focus Malaysia that the government’s enforcement of Islamic norms without similar consideration for non-Muslim religious dietary practices is “hypocritical.” Banning beef alongside alcohol at such events, would be a fair trade-off to respect all communities he argued. He also criticised the PM for reprimanding the minister, attributing it to pandering to right-wing political pressures. https://www.wionews.com/videos/pla-announces-south-china-sea-drill-with-malaysia-as-japan-philippines-exercise-begins-1759977322455/embed Beef ban at government events: Proposal sparks debate in Malaysia While still at the discussion state, the proposal has sparked a lively debate about religious equity and multicultural coexistence in the southeast Asian nation. Some Hindu and Buddhist groups are supportive of the beef ban proposal, calling the idea an overdue recognition of their beliefs. Chan Tse Yuen said in a social media post, “Malaysia preaches tolerance but must practice mutual understanding.” Prof James Chin echoed this sentiment, saying, “If alcohol is banned for Muslims, beef should be for Hindus—it's hypocritical otherwise.” But others warned that such measures could lead to increasingly restrictive food bans at official events. One user joked, “Slippery slope... at this point ban EVERYTHING @ official events, just bring H2O.” Another asked, “Wow, what about chicken Chan?” questioning whether restrictions might extend beyond beef. Also read: Trump, Modi likely to meet at ASEAN summit in Malaysia after imposition of tariffs by US Food and religion: A delicate balance in Malaysia This debate is symptomatic of Malaysia’s challenge in balancing the Islamic majority’s norms with the rights and customs of minority communities. The tug of war is between consistency for all groups and mutual respect, while opponents fear that such moves could deepen societal divisions. If a beef ban at official functions does happen, it would mark a significant precedent in Malaysia’s management of its multicultural and multireligious landscape.

<p>A proposal in Malaysia to ban beef at official events is leading to debate in the southeast Asian nation. It is a question of food habits versus religious sensitivity and equality.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Malaysia to ban beef at official functions to defer to Hindus and Buddhists? Idea, mooted after outrage over alcohol at event, sparks debate

<p>The Malaysian state of Terengganu has introduced strict new penalties under sharia law for Muslim men who miss Friday prayers without valid reasons. According to the revised law, first-time offenders could face up to two years in prison, a fine of 3,000 ringgit (about $709.89), or both. The regulations were announced by the ruling Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), and they came into effect this week. Previously, missing three consecutive Friday prayers could result in up to six months in jail or a fine of 1,000 ringgit. The penalties will be imposed as per the Shariah Criminal Offences (<i>Takzir)</i> Enactment law. Enforcement of the law will rely on reports from the public and religious patrols, with reminders posted in mosques.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Read More | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sharia-law-over-indian-constitution-why-jharkhand-ministers-remarks-spark-political-debate-8962798"><strong>'Sharia law over Indian constitution'? Why Jharkhand minister's remarks spark political debate</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Critics condemn move but PAS lawmaker defend the new law</strong></h2><p>Critics have condemned the changes, calling them excessive and a violation of personal freedoms. Human rights advocate Phil Robertson argued that such laws damage the image of Islam and infringe on individual rights, urging Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to revoke the penalties. PAS lawmaker Muhammad Khalil Abdul Hadi stated that punishments would be applied only in extreme cases, reported Malaysian newspaper <i>Berita Harian</i>. He also described the move as a necessary reminder of the importance of Friday prayers as a religious obligation.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Read More | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-has-85-operational-sharia-courts-has-it-become-western-capital-of-islamic-councils-785209"><strong>Britain has 85&nbsp;operational Sharia courts. Has it become 'western capital' of Islamic councils?</strong></a></p><h3><strong>Sharia law provisions in Terengganu&nbsp;</strong></h3><p>Malaysia, a Muslim-majority nation with a population of 34 million, operates under a dual legal system where Islamic law coexists with civil law. Terengganu is a conservative Malaysian state governed by PAS that enforces sharia law apart from the country's civil legal system. The Sharia law provisions in Terengganu were originally enacted in 2001. The law is administered through state-level Islamic courts. The Sharia laws were expanded in the state in 2016 to include things like disrespecting Ramadan, harassment of women as offences. PAS controls all 32 seats in the Terengganu state assembly, allowing it to pass laws without opposition. However, in 2024, Malaysia's top court struck down expanded sharia criminal laws in Kelantan, ruling them unconstitutional. This raises questions about the future of similar laws in Terengganu.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Read More | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democracy-dead-and-sharia-in-effect-we-dont-need-western-laws-taliban-leader-akhundzada-8907620"><strong>Democracy dead and sharia in effect, we don’t need Western laws: Taliban leader Akhundzada</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/islamists-want-sharia-push-now-yunus-quiet-9027368/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/islamists-want-sharia-push-now-yunus-quiet-9027368/embed</a></p><h2>What happened in Kelantan in 2024?</h2><p>In 2021, Kelantan enforced the Syariah Criminal Code (I) Enactment 2019, expanding the number of sharia offences from 35 to 68. However, in February 2024, the Federal Court ruled in the case Nik Elin v. Kelantan that 16 of the 18 challenged provisions were unconstitutional. The Court found that these laws encroached on matters under federal authority, exceeding the state’s legislative powers. In response, Kelantan’s State Assembly unanimously voted to reintroduce the struck-down provisions and set up a special committee to revise them. The move reflects the state's determination to retain stricter religious laws. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim clarified that the court's ruling did not challenge Islam itself, but addressed jurisdictional limits. He stressed that only the federal Parliament can legislate on matters listed under federal authority, and state laws must remain within constitutional boundaries. The case highlights the tension between religious governance and Malaysia’s constitutional structure.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Terengganu has imposed stricter Sharia penalties for Muslim men missing Friday prayers, with up to 2 years' jail or a fine. Critics call it excessive. This follows a 2024 court ruling in Kelantan striking down similar laws as unconstitutional, highlighting legal tensions in Malaysia.

The Malaysian state of Terengganu has introduced strict new penalties under sharia law for Muslim men who miss Friday prayers without valid reasons. According to the revised law, first-time offenders could face up to two years in prison, a fine of 3,000 ringgit (about $709.89), or both. The regulations were announced by the ruling Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), and they came into effect this week. Previously, missing three consecutive Friday prayers could result in up to six months in jail or a fine of 1,000 ringgit. The penalties will be imposed as per the Shariah Criminal Offences (Takzir) Enactment law. Enforcement of the law will rely on reports from the public and religious patrols, with reminders posted in mosques. Read More | 'Sharia law over Indian constitution'? Why Jharkhand minister's remarks spark political debate Critics condemn move but PAS lawmaker defend the new law Critics have condemned the changes, calling them excessive and a violation of personal freedoms. Human rights advocate Phil Robertson argued that such laws damage the image of Islam and infringe on individual rights, urging Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to revoke the penalties. PAS lawmaker Muhammad Khalil Abdul Hadi stated that punishments would be applied only in extreme cases, reported Malaysian newspaper Berita Harian. He also described the move as a necessary reminder of the importance of Friday prayers as a religious obligation. Read More | Britain has 85 operational Sharia courts. Has it become 'western capital' of Islamic councils? Sharia law provisions in Terengganu Malaysia, a Muslim-majority nation with a population of 34 million, operates under a dual legal system where Islamic law coexists with civil law. Terengganu is a conservative Malaysian state governed by PAS that enforces sharia law apart from the country's civil legal system. The Sharia law provisions in Terengganu were originally enacted in 2001. The law is administered through state-level Islamic courts. The Sharia laws were expanded in the state in 2016 to include things like disrespecting Ramadan, harassment of women as offences. PAS controls all 32 seats in the Terengganu state assembly, allowing it to pass laws without opposition. However, in 2024, Malaysia's top court struck down expanded sharia criminal laws in Kelantan, ruling them unconstitutional. This raises questions about the future of similar laws in Terengganu. Read More | Democracy dead and sharia in effect, we don’t need Western laws: Taliban leader Akhundzada https://www.wionews.com/videos/islamists-want-sharia-push-now-yunus-quiet-9027368/embed What happened in Kelantan in 2024? In 2021, Kelantan enforced the Syariah Criminal Code (I) Enactment 2019, expanding the number of sharia offences from 35 to 68. However, in February 2024, the Federal Court ruled in the case Nik Elin v. Kelantan that 16 of the 18 challenged provisions were unconstitutional. The Court found that these laws encroached on matters under federal authority, exceeding the state’s legislative powers. In response, Kelantan’s State Assembly unanimously voted to reintroduce the struck-down provisions and set up a special committee to revise them. The move reflects the state's determination to retain stricter religious laws. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim clarified that the court's ruling did not challenge Islam itself, but addressed jurisdictional limits. He stressed that only the federal Parliament can legislate on matters listed under federal authority, and state laws must remain within constitutional boundaries. The case highlights the tension between religious governance and Malaysia’s constitutional structure.

<p>Terengganu has imposed stricter Sharia penalties for Muslim men missing Friday prayers, with up to 2 years' jail or a fine. Critics call it excessive. This follows a 2024 court ruling in Kelantan striking down similar laws as unconstitutional, highlighting legal tensions in Malaysia.</p>

Sharia law imposed in THIS Malaysian state - What happens if men skip Friday prayers

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Malaysia to ban beef at official functions to defer to Hindus and Buddhists? Idea, mooted after outrage over alcohol at event, sparks debate

What happens if men skip Friday prayers in THIS Malaysian state