Muslim consumers must be cautious when buying leather goods online - PPIM

Muslim consumers are advised to be careful when buying leather goods and tableware online fearing they contain haram (prohibited) elements.

Chief activist of the Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) Datuk Nadzim Johan said online shopping can be deceptive because the graphics are unclear.

"For example, we know that leather goods made of pig skin have three dots but with new technologies, this is not necessarily the case," he told Bernama in the capital, Sunday.

Nadzim said tableware such as plates from overseas can also contain haram elements in the form of animal bones.

"The bones in question need not mean pig bones as cattle bones will be rendered haram if the cattle are not slaughtered in accordance with Islamic rituals, " he said.

He urged Muslim consumers to buy products from valid sources because it is their right to buy goods that are clean and halal as it will affect their prayers.

"Muslims consumers should not buy goods online base on the unique design and cheap price offered, " he said.

Nadzim said they should ask for the sellers to show certificates as proof that their goods are halal.

"It is better for Muslim consumers to buy from shops because they can interact directly with the sellers and can also examine the quality of the goods, " he added.