We, the undersigned, ask that the government consider the needs of practising Hindus and Buddhists in this country by providing beef-free labels for food items.

Most of those practising these faiths do not consume beef for religious purposes just like the Muslims do not consume pork as it is against their religion.

The Malaysian Community Development Organisation (MCEO) has suggested that there be labelling for food products for this segment of society as well.

MCEO founder and president Jeevithan P. Ganasan said: “European packaging for many food items contain the warning that it may contain nuts or are produced in an environment where traces of nuts may be present. Similarly, I feel that the same consideration should be given to those whose religious beliefs do not allow the consumption of beef. The Muslims already have the halal logo. Why not have a logo saying a food item may contain beef?”

With recent Facebook postings of an Indian restaurant in Kajang serving mutton mixed with beef and even similar fears in Singapore where a proprietor of two Indian restaurants was found to have been passing off beef as mutton, this is something close to most Hindus and Buddhists hearts. A simple sticker saying “beef-free” is all we ask for.

Therefore we request the Health Ministry:

1) To have beef-freelabeling on all cooking items, just like “halal” logos so consumers who don’t consume beef can immediately avoid these products at first glance instead of having to go through the minuscule print on these items.

2) To require beef-free labels on food menus served in restaurants.

3) To require beef-free labels for food served in buffets.

4) To require beef-free labels for “nasi-campur” dishes as Malay food is a favourite among all races

5) To have beef-free labels on dry goods and snacks such as biscuits and junk-food that many children consume.

We may be a minority but we ask that our religious beliefs and needs be also taken into consideration.

Malaysian Community Development Organisation (MCEO) Action Committee