Public urged to calm down over water bottle images

KUALA LUMPUR: Members of the public have been urged not to make an issue over a mineral water company featuring a Hindu Deity, Lord Murugan near a halal logo.
Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz said the manufacturer has no intention to insult Islam as the picture was merely to promote tourism.
"There are many things that can be considered sensitive as our country is multi-religious. We have to respect the feelings of all races," he added.
He said the issue is not big as the water bottles can be removed from the shelves or the "halal" logo can also be re-adjusted.
Chuan Sin Sdn Bhd, the firm that bottles the Cactus Natural Mineral Water, explained in a statement that the photograph was actually of Batu Caves and was selected as part of the company's promotion of tourism hotspots in Malaysia in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2014.
On Muslim Consumers' Association Malaysia (PPIM) lodging a police report for the mineral water company to be investigated under sedition, Nazri said, that this is a democratic country and they are free to do anything.
He however urged Malaysians to accept the company's apology and move on instead of blowing it out of proportion.
"The company has done nothing wrong, and if it has removed from the shelves, then it's a closed issue," he added.
Earlier, Nazri who attended the National Craft Institute's 13th Convocation Ceremony had also called on all quarters involved in producing skilled
workers for the craft industry to make transformation and to intensify efforts to boost the national craft industry.
He said the industry has the potential to make Malaysia's position as a popular tourist destination through craft production and sales.
A total of 119 graduates received their respective diploma and certificates in six craft courses recognised by the Public Service Department, including
batik art, wood craft and ceramic, at the convocation.
A convocation festival is also being held in conjunction with the convocation, starting today until Nov 8.
Various activities have been lined up for the festival, including craft demonstrations, exhibition and stage performance.