Some have claimed that 'pork-free' signages at eateries may be confusing and can mislead Muslims. Others, however, claim the sign is preferred because it is difficult to obtain halal certification from the Islamic Development Department (Jakim).

A human resources manager at a local hotel, Aina Aziz Abdullah (photo), said she understands the problems a restaurant encounters in obtaining halal certification as she faces the same obstacles in the hospitality industry.

"I work in a hotel so I understand it is not easy to get the certificate from Jakim.

“As long as I know the food is 'pork free', I am okay with.

“Not all hotels are certified halal as well," she told Malaysiakini , adding it is unfair for the government to take action against such premises.

Engineer Razif Rashid said he will choose restaurants that have the halal logo.

"It is up to me to choose to eat at the shop or otherwise. It is as simple as that. Personally, it is up to each individual. If you think that 'pork free' doesn't mean it is halal, then you have to judge for yourself," he added.

There are also those who feel that the halal logo is important for restaurants if they want to inspire confidence among their Muslim clientele.

Zulkifli Mad Ani, 29, said he will opt for eateries with the halal logo over those with the 'pork-free' signage as he feels the latter is not convincing enough to erase doubts.

He even proposed that eateries apply for halal certification as it will put their Muslim customers at ease.

"Not many people may know what is pork, bacon or ham. It may bring about complications, so it is better to have the halal logo," he said.

Protect Muslims from errant restaurant operators

His view is shared by Mohd Zulkifli Hamzah, 25 , (photo) who believes that the halal logo will ensure that Muslims are not misled or duped by errant restaurant operators.

"The halal logo is important as we never know if someone is cheating us.

“But it is up to us as well. Some people still frequent outlets with 'pork-free' signs. It is up to them," he said.

Another consumer, Sharifah Nurhidayah Alqadry agrees if the government takes action against eateries without halal logos and only display a 'pork-free' sign.

"I agree if action is taken against shops without halal logos as this will make it easier for us to distinguish between those which serve pork and those which do not," she said.

The issue of the halal logo versus 'pork-free' signs emerged after Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki suggested that action be taken against restaurants that display 'pork-free' signs as it may mislead Muslims.

Such premises, he said, may want to give the impression as if they have halal status.

Jakim has said that its halal certification is the best guide for Muslim consumers in choosing which eateries to frequent.