SHAH ALAM - Plans by the Thean Hock Keong Temple Association to organise an Aidilfitri open house were abruptly disrupted after state Islamic authorities denied approval, citing religious boundaries over what they classify as an Islamic celebration.
The event was meant as a goodwill gesture, with organisers saying it aimed to bring people together, strengthen community bonds and promote harmony within the local area.
According to its secretary, Ng Choong Seong, preparations were extensive, from sourcing halal food from local caterers to consulting mosque and surau leaders, who had responded positively.
Yet, despite these efforts, the plan was halted.
Why was the event stopped?
The decision came from the Penang Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAIPP), which ruled that Aidilfitri is an Islamic religious celebration and therefore cannot be organised by parties not authorised under Islamic religious administration.
JHEAIPP director Marzuki Hassan, in a formal letter, made clear that all activities related to Aidilfitri require approval from the Penang State Islamic Religious Council.
“In this regard, the association is not allowed to organise the Aidilfitri open house,” he said.
The decision reflects Malaysia’s legal framework, where Islamic affairs fall under state jurisdiction.
Each state has its own religious authorities responsible for overseeing Islamic practices, institutions and events involving the Muslim community.
A question of religious boundaries
For some, the issue is not about intention, but about propriety.
Pertubuhan-Pertubuhan Pembela Islam president Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar welcomed the decision, calling the idea of a non-Muslim religious association organising an Aidilfitri event as 'unusual and inappropriate.'
“Congratulations to the Penang Islamic Religious Department and Penang Mufti for banning the programme. Although no Islamic rituals would be carried out during the event, it is still inappropriate for non-Muslims to organise it in such a place.
“Let Muslims organise it and not within the premises of a non-Islamic place of worship,” he said.
He further said harmony should not be used as a justification for any party to act freely.
"To you, your religion, and to us ours. Respect that sensitivity. Do not normalise such programmes even in the name of harmony," he added.
The organisers’ perspective
For the temple association, the outcome was disappointing but accepted.
Ng stressed that the initiative had followed guidelines from the National Unity and Integration Department and that changes had even been made to the event’s promotional materials after feedback that the earlier version was inappropriate.
“All food prepared was halal and sourced from local catering businesses as part of efforts to support the community.
“Although our main aim was to foster unity, we accept and respect the decision of the authorities,” he said.
Malaysia’s diversity has long been both a strength and a source of complexity.
Festivals like Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year and Deepavali are often celebrated across communities, with open houses forming a key part of national culture.
Government leaders themselves routinely host multi-ethnic Aidilfitri open houses, attended by Malaysians of all backgrounds.
But this case reveals a more nuanced distinction: attending a celebration versus organising one, especially when it involves religious identity and sacred contexts.
The location also matters. Hosting an Aidilfitri event within the premises of a non-Islamic place of worship, as critics pointed out, raises additional sensitivities that go beyond the event itself.