Letters | Hong Kong is trying to be more Muslim-friendly. Here’s how it could do better

Readers discuss progress in addressing the needs of the city’s Muslim population, and air pollution from construction work

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A Muslim family buys a halal-certified KFC meal at the fast-food chain’s Chuang’s London Plaza store in Jordan on November 4, 2022. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

Published: 11:30am, 13 Apr 2024

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It is with great satisfaction that I witness Hong Kong finally addressing the needs of its Muslim population.

The efforts to promote Muslim-friendly options should not be seen solely as a means to attract Muslim visitors and businesspeople to the city. It is equally important to create an environment that embraces cultural diversity and respects different religious practices.

One critical aspect that requires attention is the misconception that pork-free food automatically qualifies as halal. Halal requirements encompass the sourcing, preparation, handling and serving of food according to Islamic dietary rules. Restaurants offering halal food should obtain proper certification.

During the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims in Hong Kong fast for about 13 hours a day, there were limited halal-certified dining options in the city. To my knowledge, not a single hotel in Hong Kong offered a halal buffet dinner where Muslims could go to break their fast, or invite their friends, unlike in neighbouring countries where indulging in hotel iftar buffets is a common practice.

Hong Kong currently lacks a halal certification system administered by the government. The existing process overseen by the Islamic Community Fund is considered too restrictive, resulting in only 105 certified restaurants. It would be beneficial for the Hong Kong government to establish a task force to oversee this issue, creating a more systematic approach.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board has taken steps to better educate the local industry on Muslim dietary requirements through briefings. The city is also working on developing an improved halal accreditation framework.