MELAKA: Hotels across the historic city are lit up with elaborate festive displays, reflecting Melaka’s spirit of unity while preserving a long-standing tradition that has become part of the state’s tourism identity, says a local councillor. “Christmas decorations at hotels here are consistent with past years and, in some cases, even more attractive, despite recent public confusion over a circular linked to restrictions involving halal-certified restaurants and kitchens,” he said on Thursday (Dec 25). Lee said festive decorations have long been part of Melaka’s tourism landscape and should continue in line with the state government’s efforts to promote tourism, investment and economic development. On Dec 19, Melaka’s education, higher learning and religious affairs committee chairman Datuk Rahmad Mariman said hotels in the historic city are permitted to continue displaying Christmas decorations, with restrictions applying only to kitchens and restaurants holding halal certification. The following day, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar clarified that there are no restrictions on halal certification holders from displaying festive decorations linked to religions other than Islam, provided halal standards are upheld.

Source: The Star December 25, 2025 22:26 UTC