MUSLIMS are advised against taking part in the Bon Odori festival, to be held at the Shah Alam Sports Complex on July 16, as it contains elements of other religions, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Idris Ahmad said.

“A study by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) found that the festival has religious elements, so we advise Muslims not to participate in it,” he said after attending the groundbreaking ceremony for the Selangor Islamic Education Foundation’s Education Complex Project in Sungai Besar today.

He said this when asked to comment on the organisation of the annual Japanese festival, which has also received negative reaction on social media, especially among Muslims in the country.

The event’s promotional poster also depicted an anime of a kimono-clad woman wearing a hijab.

“That’s why we hope such confusion does not arise. Jakim, as the coordinating Islamic body, advises Muslims not to participate in programmes like this or any programme that could affect our religion and beliefs,” he said.

Meanwhile, on a separate matter, Idris said that a man referred to on social media as The Hood Man had been located and all the information given by the individual would be used as material for the ministry to take the next course of action.

Jakim was previously trying to locate the man over allegations he made on social media that the Thomas Foods International (TFI) Lobethal slaughterhouses in Australia did not comply with Malaysian halal standards and procedure.

“So far, the company involved has been suspended, and we hope he (individual) is fine (after the disclosure). We are grateful for the disclosure.

“I am confident that in Australia there is no problem with such revelations because it (the country) gives great importance to consumerism,” he said.

Jakim has suspended TFI’s slaughtering approval with immediate effect until the results of a comprehensive probe are obtained. – Bernama, June 6, 2022.