Laboratory tests have confirmed that no pork DNA was present in the ham and cheese sandwiches at the center of a recent controversy in Malaysia. This development comes after allegations surfaced regarding the misuse of the halal logo on these sandwiches, manufactured by Shake and Bake Cafe Sdn Bhd. The company faces charges for using the halal logo without official Malaysian Halal Certification (SPHM) on their products. The sandwiches were sold at two 24-hour KK Mart locations at Universiti Malaya.
The issue initially gained attention on January 10, prompting authorities to launch an immediate investigation. Enforcement officers began collecting evidence and sending sandwich samples to the Chemistry Department for testing by January 13. The matter was subsequently referred to the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) on January 14.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Armizan Mohd Ali emphasized the swift action taken by his ministry to address the public's concerns. He stated that the ministry acted quickly, given the viral nature of the complaint.
“It was not slow, the issue went viral on Jan 10 and immediately after it went viral – which we (considered to be) a public complaint – enforcement officers had already visited the premises,” said Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Armizan Mohd Ali.
The Chemistry Department's report, received on January 20, confirmed the absence of pork DNA in any of the sandwich samples. KK Mart asserted that the ham and cheese sandwiches in question contained chicken ham, not pork.
“The Chemistry Department’s report, received on Jan 20, confirmed no pork DNA in any of the sandwich samples,” stated Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Armizan Mohd Ali.
Despite these findings, Shake and Bake Cafe Sdn Bhd and its director, Ewe Sarn Yeun, are facing multiple charges under Paragraph 8(b) of the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking of Halal) Order 2011. The charges, if proven, carry a maximum fine of RM10,000 and a jail term of up to three years. Both Ewe Sarn Yeun and his company have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In addition to these charges, they are also accused of violating Section 102(1)(c) of the Trademarks Act 2019 for using Malaysia’s registered halal logo without approval from Jakim, the trademark owner, on 366 sandwich packages.
“They are also charged under Section 102(1)(c) of the Trademarks Act 2019 for using Malaysia’s registered halal logo without approval from the trademark owner (Jakim) on 366 sandwich packages,” Minister Armizan explained.
The case was presented to the Attorney General’s Chambers on January 23, with charges formally filed the following day. The court has scheduled further mentions of the case for March 5.
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