A noodle factory in Bukit Mertajam, penalised in 2010 for using halal logos not sanctioned by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim), was again raided yesterday for the second time.

The Central Seberang Perai Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism Office raided the factory about 5pm, and seized 1,800 packets of 'mee sanggul' noodles which bore an unsanctioned halal logo.

Its enforcement officer Md Nasir Mohamad said the office also seized 400 packets of 'mee teow', 352 packets of 'mee suah' and 780 empty boxes bearing halal logos not sanctioned by Jakim at the factory in Kampung Sama Gagah.

The seizures were valued at RM4,184.

"The factory which had been in operation for the past 15 years, was raided in 2010 for the same offence," Md Nasir told a media conference here today.

He said the case was investigated under the Trade Descriptions Act 2011 which provided for a fine of up to RM1 million or jail not more than three years upon conviction.

Meanwhile, the factory owner said she would apply for the halal certificate from Jakim soon as 95 percent of her workers were Muslim women residing in the village.

She said they wept during the raid as it meant losing their job if the factory was closed for any length of time.

She conceded the importance of getting halal certification despite the strict procedure, alleging she was once duped of RM3,000 when attempting to obtain the halal logo.

- Bernama