Muslims make up only 3% of the Hong Kong population. Many of the Muslims in Hong Kong are poor Indonesians who work as maids in the city.
But that didn’t stop Mufti Muhammad Arshad from pushing McDonalds, KFC and Pizza Hut to provide Islam-approved meat at their restaurants.
KFC, McDonalds and Pizza Hut rejected the request.
Mufti Muhammad Arshad (South China Morning Herald)
The Political Insider reported:
Fast food chains McDonald’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), and Pizza Hut have all REJECTED a request from an Islamic Imam to have Islam-approved meat served in their chains.
In Hong Kong, Mufti Muhammad Arshad contacted these popular, global chains demanding they use “halal meat” to please Muslims. He said it would be a “screwed business move,” too.
Halal is an Arabic word that means “permissible.” Halal meat comes from an animal slaughtered according to Islamic law. That means Allah’s (God’s) name must be pronounced during slaughter, the instrument used must be very sharp (the animal must be slit at the throat), the animal must not be unconscious, and it must be hung upside down and allowed to bleed dry.
In other words, it’s an extra-painful process for the animals. No pork prepared in any way is allowed, neither are certain parts of other animals (such as the rear end).
“It’s disappointing that we could not convince the companies,” Arshad said. “It doesn’t have to be Hong Kong-wide. In the main areas, like Central, Wan Chai, Tsim Sha Tsui, the New Territories and at the airport, it would be a great service. The companies have to realise there is a need for this and that it is good business for them.”
Tourism sector lawmaker Paul Tse Wai-chun said he would welcome anything that would increase the diversity of Hong Kong and cater for people from different religious backgrounds. He said it would also be good for local businesses.
