YOURSAY | ‘We should think carefully if a rule would serve a purpose before we introduce it.’

Shoppers roll right along with halal, non-halal trolleys

SteveOh: Why not? Next on the list - halal and non-halal notes and coins, halal and non-halal public toilets, halal and non-halal hospital beds, halal and non-halal cashiers, halal and non-halal dentists, halal and non-halal hotels, halal and non-halal mechanics, halal and non-halal taxis, halal and non-halal cargo planes and containers, no handshakes between halal and non-halal people, and the list goes on and on.

So a Muslim has a rare blood disorder and the only hope is blood transfusion or bone marrow transplant from an infidel and pork-eater, then what? Get the drift? My point is to what degree does one live by the letter of the law?

If by the standards of some of the pedantic and almost 'Pharasaical' religionists, then it will be impossible for Muslims and non-Muslims to co-exist without the loss of freedom for non-Muslims and dissenting Muslims who don't subscribe to the strict rules.

Why the sudden change? For a long time, Muslims and non-Muslims co-existed without such rules.

TheAnonymous: Did it ever occur to the ministers that even banknotes come into contact with pig sellers, drug dealers, pimps, corrupt politicians, etc.

And I don't see them complaining about having it in their possession.

Doc: Sadly, I am schooled in the field of science and logical thinking, therefore the rationale in using a halal shopping cart versus a non-halal shopping cart boggles my mind.

Well, I guess the next logical thing will be to segregate hypermarkets based on halal and non-halal hypermarket.

Vijay47: It is all very noble, caring, and Malaysian to be sensitive to the religious, well, sensitivities, of all religions. I will not object to that, I doubt anyone else will.

But sensitivity must flow both ways, from non-Muslims to Muslims and vice versa. How often do we see the second option?

We non-Muslims are perpetually informed that our mere existence in Malaysia somehow reflects the great tolerance and sacrifices that Muslims have thrown our way, and almost never do we see a Muslim leader condemn the urgings of fanatics.

Secondly, there now seems to be a new notion that any behaviour enforcement in the name of Islam is to be immediately adhered to by everyone. An objection is viewed as an insult and challenge to Islam's position.

Over the last many years, we have been experiencing more and more changes and every single one is restrictive and further intrusions into the lives of non-Muslims.

Is the NSK Trade City supermarket arrangement supposed to be representative of non-Muslims gladly accepting the 'trolley segregation'? In all likelihood it is because non-Muslims are fully aware that any protest, however mild and justified, would see Muslim fanatics coming out in droves.

Aren't the church cross, child-custody cases, body-snatchings, and mosque loudspeakers enough reminders of what things could be? How did Malaysia survive all these years without these extremist demands? Are we supposed to hold that Tunku Abdul Rahman and all the others were indulging in practices totally alien to the tenets of Islam, that Muslims need the current breed of teachers to be saved from eternal damnation?

Yesterday it was 'no visible crosses', today it is 'halal/non-halal trolleys'. Tomorrow?

Multi Racial: Now halal and non-halal trolleys, later what else?

I believe those in power should be more responsible. Rules and measures should be implemented on need basis and not what extremists want.

Muslims and non-Muslims don’t exist just in Malaysia but all over the world. We used to be a showcase of tolerance and how those of different beliefs live together in harmony.

Today we probably have to learn from moderate Muslim countries like Indonesia and Turkey. It is a shame that we have descended to this level. Thanks to our irresponsible and selfish national leaders.

Old Timer: I think the question is not whether we can accept it or not, or if we mind it or not. We already have so many divisions.

We should think carefully if a rule would serve a purpose before we introduce it. The holiness or religious standing of a person does not depend on the external, but what is in his mind, and what he actually does.

Homesick: Personally I don't mind which trolley I use, but how stupid and ridiculous can it get. Why are the Muslims so sensitive? They want others to respect their religion, but they are not reciprocating that same respect to others.

Just look at most of the Muslim countries, especially in the Middle East. Their sensitivities are causing so much upheaval and turmoil. So much so that most of them are forsaking their own countries and heading to predominantly Christian Europe. Sigh.

ACR: As a vegetarian do I get a special trolley? When would restaurants start introducing different cutlery for Muslim and non-Muslim customers?

Johannes: This is utter stupidity, the many funny replies by those interviewed bear fruit to that. It will lead to more and more extreme ideas and soon the Taliban will take over as the grounds are already prepared. Time to emigrate if this continues.

Anonymous_3e06: When silly people are asked questions like this, they will give silly answers.

We must give respect to all people at all times. However, is this the way we show respect? This is segregation, and there’s more to come.

Chokstone: Too much emphasis on differences in religions will always harm the harmonious nature of a country.

If the ruling government keeps on introducing these kinds of silly rules and don't put a stop to this unhealthy trend, then with the same logic who knows one day people of different religions will not even dare to touch each other's hand, not to mention giving a loving touch to small children of a different race or religion.

Baldev Singh : We now need to differentiate money - all non-halal transactions should be done with different coloured notes. The notes used by pork sellers will surely be more offensive than an empty trolley.

Drngsc: This is ridiculous. Please boycott this supermarket. This is not Islam. There is no need for such pettiness. Should we also have different money so that some do not have to take non-Muslim money as taxes?

Boycott this supermarket for imposing this ridiculous, unnecessary rule.

Anonymous 701731441687485: As a Muslim, I think this is a damaging marketing stunt and it has no benefit to anyone.

Fair&Just: So the halal trolleys can cart away loads of ‘donations’ while the non-halal ones will be stopped?

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