ZahDATUK Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi the sale of pre-packed chicken ham and cheese sandwiches should not be exaggerated (diperbesarkan) as the retail chain involved has taken steps to withdraw the products.
"This may have been a mistake, and we hope it serves as a lesson. The authorities will take the necessary follow-up action," he said.
The deputy prime minister, who chairs the Malaysian Halal Development Council, said he is working closely with the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and has advised them to ensure cases involving religious sensitivities are handled carefully.
“This may have been a mistake, so I hope it serves as a valuable lesson,” he said during a press conference in George Town.
Jakim had confirmed that the meat used in the sandwiches was certified halal but the sandwiches, along with the company producing them, were not halal-certified.
The issue arose when a sandwich sold at a KK Concept Store at Universiti Malaya sparked public outcry due to the display of the Malaysian halal logo on its packaging.
Two KK Super Mart outlets at UM were shut down on Jan 10 following inspections by Jakim and the ministry, while KK Super Mart said the sandwich supplier, Shake And Bake Cafe, had provided a halal certificate for the chicken ham and cheese ingredients.
KK Super Mart also said it would be taking legal action against the supplier for misusing the halal certification and that it had ceased all business dealings with Shake And Bake Cafe. - January 19, 2025
