Offensive pizza box controversy: MHDM makes three demands to US Pizza

A Hindu NGO – Malaysia Hindu Dharma Mamandram (MHDM) has called upon US Pizza for an immediate cessation of the latter’s pizza box design which was deemed as offensive.

MHDM also demanded an unconditional public apology from US Pizza.

“We formally demand the following immediate actions from US Pizza Malaysia:

a) Immediate cessation: The immediate withdrawal, halt production and nationwide cessation of the distribution and use of the offensive pizza box design.

b) Public apology: Issue a clear, unconditional public apology to the entire Hindu community in Malaysia for this immense oversight

c) Cultural Review: A commitment to implementing a mandatory and robust process of cultural and consultation for all future marketing and packaging materials to prevent any future recurrence if such insensitivity,” said MHDM president V Rishikumar in a letter to US Pizza.

US Pizza’s latest pizza box design is made up of a combination of KL Tower, Sultan Abdul Samad Building, KL Twin Towers, Stadhuys in Melaka, durians and the image of Hindu deity, Lord Muruga.

Rishikumar pointed out that the design is deeply flawed, misplaced and profoundly offensive to the Malaysian Hindus.

“The attempt to include Hindu culture in commercial, disposable packaging, specifically featuring a major deity resulted in an act of sacrilege rather than celebration.”

He also explained that US Pizza practiced mixing vegetarian and non-vegetarian food which is “a severe violation of religious reverence and sanctity.”

“It demonstrates a profound lack of respect for the religious practices and sensitivities of the Hindus in Malaysia.”

Rishikumar also cautioned that this episode could impact the existing interfaith harmony among Malaysians who belong to various faiths.