Restaurants or hotels which make use of the words ‘Ramadan Buffet’ but do not have a ‘halal’ certificate are liable to face enforcement action, according to the Johor Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Department.

Its director, Ayub Abd Rahman, said the use of the word ‘Ramadan’ could confuse Muslims into thinking that the restaurants or hotels serve ‘halal’ food.

“We will take action if the word ‘Ramadan’ is used without the ‘halal’ logo and certificate,” he told reporters after visiting an oil mill in Johor Baru.

He said the same rule applied to outlets which used Quranic verses in a way that they portrayed Muslim food.

Individual offenders would be liable to a fine of up to RM1 million or three years’ jail while companies faced a fine of up to RM5 million under the Trade Descriptions Act 2011.

- Bernama