Have you ever ordered a glass of Milo at your local mamak but the taste is just not quite as ‘sihat dan kuat’ like what you’re familiar with?
Well, as it turns out, apparently the mischievous act of substituting Milo with a cheaper generic chocolate drink powder is quite a common practice within our eateries. What? How dare they?!
A practice, according to the Federal Territories Mufti Datuk Seri Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri, that is haram (forbidden) by the teachings of Islam.
In a recent Facebook post shared by Dr. Zulkifli, the Mufti answered this question sent via social media:
“What is Islam’s view on restaurant owners substituting Milo powder with a cheaper chocolate powder in order to gain profit?”
Source: Nikshahana
Dr. Zulkifli answered the query by saying that the mischievous act if done without the knowledge and consent of the customer is considered haram and sinful within Islam. He further clarifies,
“This is due to the presence of the element of grievance and cheating of the rights that the customer is entitled to in consideration to the price that they have paid for the drink.”
We couldn’t agree more with you there Dr Zul! If we paid for a Milo Ice, we don’t want some random lesser chocolate drink without us knowing.
Source: Berita Harian
The Federal Territories Mufti further added that there are a few guidelines in Islam for a buying and selling transaction to be approved. One of which is,
“Both parties in the transaction have to be clearly aware of the item being sold, without any information being knowingly withheld.”
A consequence for any information being withheld during a transaction is that it will be considered cheating which makes the purchase not valid in the eyes of Islam. He further stresses that the religion does not prohibit its followers from gaining profit, but there are limitations and guidelines to be followed.
“The concept of profit in the eyes of Islam is not through cheating and mischievous tactics, but by mutual consideration or quid pro quo.”
No religion or person in the world likes a cheater weh! Hopefully, restaurants all around Malaysia will stop doing this haram practice. It is not only frowned upon by the religion but also cheats the right of us, the consumer.
Source: Feedme
So, the next time you suspect your Milo has been secretly downgraded, confront the owner of the restaurant and say that the practice is haram and report the premise to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs for further action.
What are your thoughts on this revelation by the Mufti? Have you experienced being given fake Milo before? Share your stories with us in the comments section!
Also read: FamilyMart is Not Certified Halal But It Does Not Mean the Food is Haram, Here’s Why
