The industry-leading Japanese department store, Isetan, is well-known for selling a wide range of products, from branded items to household goods. This includes products available in the non-Halal sections, which cater to non-Muslim customers. Despite these differences, Malaysians have long respected them and continue to shop at the store.
However, said differences were called into question after a photo about the store went viral on Twitter over the weekend. A user known as @/ladymissazira reposted a photo showing the department store selling cigarettes in its non-Halal section, sparking mixed reactions from netizens.
In the post, she commented, “Isetan KLCC placed cigarettes for sale in the non-Halal liquor section.” As you may know, for the longest time, Malaysian Muslims have always been amused by the name ‘Isetan’ as the word “setan” in the name reminds them of the Malay word for the devil. With this in mind, it made sense as to why many found it humorous for Isetan to be placing cigarettes in the non-Halal section as the items are considered haram in Islam.
One user wrote, “Thus forcing Muslims to enter the forbidden area to get their fix. Brilliant!” Another comment added, “But the realistic question is: Which cigarette smoker would buy them at Isetan? They would prefer a convenience store.” Some believe that the decision to put cigarettes in a non-Halal section would not stop any Muslim smoker from buying them as they’ve always disregarded the warnings on the packaging.
Isetan Suria KLCC opened its flagship store on 30th May 1998, making it the second branch in Kuala Lumpur. Now with cigarettes being sold in the non-Halal section, do you think that this could potentially discourage Muslim smokers from buying them, given the religious implications?
Sakinah contributed to this article.
