Some 61 percent of Malaysians are practicing Muslims. That means eating pork is a no go nor is consuming alcohol.

Speaking of alcohol, with the recent outbreak of the COVID-19, many merchants have begun selling 'halal' hand sanitizers. In case you're wondering, halal is Arabic for permissible.

Since alcohol is not permissible for practicing Muslims, some Malaysians have begun selling hand sanitizers made out of ethanol as an alternative.

Instant Hand Sanitizer

75% High Purity Ethanol

60ML

RM15

Remove bacteria quickly and efficiently

Compact and portable, ready to use in your bag

Can be used for hand washing or disinfecting items

Suitable for adults and kids

HALAL ✅



0125006349 Wawa pic.twitter.com/cuZmCwAGOC — WZ 💫 (@sdtnajwa) March 15, 2020

Many of them are marketing the product as "Muslim friendly", since isopropyl alcohol and ethyl alcohol can also be used to make hand sanitizers. But get this, both chemical compounds are classified as alcohol.

What makes matters worse is that some of these merchants are selling their 'halal' hand sanitizers for a much higher price, around US$8 (RM35), compared to the ones found in stores.

Naturally, some Malaysians are unhappy that these merchants are using fears of COVID-19 and sinning as a means to profit. Plus, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are 60 to 95 percent more successful in killing germs compared to just ethanol alcohol.

Takyahlah dok tunggang agama dan jual Hand Sanitizer ‘halal’ waktu wabak Covid-19 ni.



Mufti Wilayah yang kini Menteri Hal Ehwal Agama dah kata penggunaan Hand Sanitizer alkohol ialah HARUS, tidak najis dan boleh guna untuk solat pic.twitter.com/Lwj7sDrPP5 — Asrul Muzaffar🇲🇾 (@asrulmm) March 14, 2020

"Please don't ride on religion to sell 'halal' hand sanitizers during this COVID-19 outbreak. The Federal Territories Mufti has decreed the use of hand sanitizer as must use and can be used for prayers."

The online seller has since removed the item. IMAGE: Twitter.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Mohamad al-Bakri’ had given the green light for Malaysian Muslims to use alcohol-based hand sanitizers through an announcement on the ministry's official website.

"It can be concluded that the hand sanitiser can be used when performing prayers and is not considered unclean. This is clear as the National Fatwa Council's Committee had decided that medications and fragrances containing alcohol are a necessity and therefore (its use) is forgivable," Zulkifli said.

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Image sourced from Kelly Sikkema / Unsplash.