The New Paper’s report about local cinemas not selling halal-certified food sparks ridicule

Photo: Coconuts Media
Photo: Coconuts Media

Gotta give props to The New Paper for turning a simple tweet into a scandal that triggers divisiveness across the country. In a report published bright and early today, the publication put out a story that implies that local Muslims are absolutely outraged that cinemas here don’t serve halal food.

The source of the story comes from @halalSG, the Twitter account handled by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) to answer queries about halal-certifications. On Sept 4, one user had asked @halalSG if the food sold at the Golden Village cinema chain — specifically meat products such as meatballs and sausages — is considered halal. MUIS said no, stating that none of the snack bars in all the film theatres across the country are halal-certified. Oh dear, whatever will Muslim cinephiles do in the theatres if they can’t consume overpriced, substandard nibbles?

The New Paper then cited some Muslim cinema patrons, reporting that none of them were aware of the halal status of cinema snacks. Two of the people they spoke to demanded that cinemas sell halal-certified food (oh boy), while MUIS countered that getting a halal certification is totally voluntary for all businesses (as it should be).

Other Singaporean Muslims reacted to the report. Not with rage, but with common sense.

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“As the saying in Malay goes: Islam is uncomplicated”. Facebook screengrab
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“Please don’t humiliate your race and your religion. Islam is uncomplicated.” Facebook screengrab
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“It’s not as if we’re having a banquet in the cinema”. Facebook screengrab



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