The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) yesterday denied approving the use of the halal logo on alcoholic drinks as depicted on a beer can shown on Facebook and the Whatsapp application.

    

The department's Halal Hub director Hakimah Mohd Yusoff said in a statement that Jakim had lodged a report on the matter at the Putrajaya police station for investigation.

    

This followed complaints and information received from the public on the picture of the Carlsberg can of beer with the halal logo on it appearing on the social media.

    

"We stress here that Jakim has never issued the halal certification or approved the use of the halal logo by the company or on its products. In fact, other products produced at the same manufacturing plant would not be issued with the halal certification or logo even it these are not alcoholic drinks," Hakimah said.

    

She said action could be taken against any quarters under the Trade Description (Certification and Marking of Halal) Order 2011 for misuse of the halal logo.

    

"Jakim regards the display of the picture as ill-intended and an attempt to undermine the department's credibility as a body responsible for halal certification in Malaysia, which is recognised nationally and internationally.

    

"The action will not only create negative perception of Jakim but could also hurt religious sensitivities.

    

"Therefore, Jakim condemns the falsifying of the halal logo, whether deliberately or with the intention to provoke, which could also create polemic among the public on the matter," she added.

    

She hoped consumers would not be taken in by false news spread via the social media by irresponsible quarters and that such misdeeds should stop.

    

Meanwhile, Putrajaya police chief ACP Abdul Razak Abdul Majid, when contacted, confirmed having received the police report on the matter.

- Bernama