A significant controversy has erupted in Malaysia, following a university student's social media post questioning the halal label on a ham and cheese sandwich. The sandwich, sold at a KK Super Mart convenience store on Universiti Malaya's campus, sparked debates surrounding halal certification standards. The Department of Islamic Development (Jakim) confirmed that the company producing the sandwiches lacked an official halal certification licence, violating trade laws.
The sandwiches featured a halal logo despite the absence of the necessary certification from Jakim, which oversees the halal certification process in Malaysia. This revelation led to accusations from politicians, including Umno's youth chief Akmal Saleh, who demanded an explanation from the company involved. The demand came on Sunday, highlighting the political and religious sensitivities intertwined with the issue.
Umno, a prominent Malay nationalist party, criticized the company's actions as "belittling Islam." The term "ham" traditionally refers to cured pork, but it can also describe processed meats made from turkey or chicken, typically explicitly labelled to avoid confusion with pork-based products. In this case, the lack of clear labelling compounded the controversy.
The use of a fake halal logo is not only a breach of trust but also a violation of Malaysian trade laws. Jakim's statement emphasized the importance of adhering to established certification standards for halal products, ensuring consumers can trust the authenticity of halal-labelled goods.
In response to the uproar, Jakim swiftly clarified that the sandwich's producer did not possess a valid halal certification licence. This development underscores the critical role of regulatory bodies in maintaining consumer confidence and protecting religious practices in multi-ethnic Malaysia.
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