KK Mart says ham is halal chicken, Jakim states sandwich not certified

Summary

• KK Mart says controversial ham and cheese sandwiches produced by a third party manufacturer.

• Manufacturer has halal certificates for the chicken ham and cheese slices, but were not authorised to use KK Mart's logo on the packaging.

• Jakim says that neither the sandwich nor the manufacturer is halal-certified.

The controversial ham in the sandwich sold at KK Mart is made from chicken, with the cold cut itself being halal certified, according to the convenience store chain.

However, the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) stated that the sandwich as a whole does not have halal certification, in response to the halal logo being placed on the sandwich’s packaging.

The use of the halal logo is heavily regulated, and certification for products is not solely dependent on ingredients used but takes into account multiple factors, including assembly line cleanliness, storage, and other matters.

In the case of the KK Mart sandwich, the halal logo is on the barcode sticker on the back of the product.

On Saturday, Universiti Malaya shut down two KK Mart outlets on campus after concerns were raised about the sandwiches’ halal status.

This led to Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh kicking up a fuss.

Not authorised to use KK Mart logo

In a statement today, KK Mart said the sandwiches were made by Shake and Bake Cafe Sdn Bhd and sold on multiple platforms, including the convenience store chain’s Concept Store outlets.

It said Shake and Bake Cafe had produced halal certificates for the chicken ham and cheese slices used in the sandwich. The food manufacturer had also provided the wording for the product.

However, KK Mart said Shake and Bake Cafe was not authorised to use KK Mart’s logo on the sandwich’s packaging - which it said was done by the manufacturer.

KK Mart has filed a police report over the matter and is planning to take legal action against Shake and Bake Cafe.

"As a point of information, only 16 KK Concept Stores carry this product.

"Therefore, KK Mart has immediately frozen all business dealings with Shake And Bake Cafe and halted the processing of this product from entering any outlets during the investigation period," it added.

KK Mart said it was also cooperating with authorities on the matter.

Malaysiakini has learned that Shake and Bake Cafe is owned by a Perak MCA division leader, and is attempting to get a comment.

Halal logo misuse

In a social media posting, Jakim said that checks done together with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry on Friday found that the sandwich did not have halal certification.

It added that the manufacturer also did not have halal certification.

Misuse of the halal logo is an offence under the Trade Descriptions Act and is punishable with a fine of up to RM100,000 or jail of up to three years, or both.

This is not KK Mart's first controversy involving Islamic matters.

Last year, the chain was caught in a firestorm after socks bearing the word Allah - provided by a third party vendor - were found at some of its stores.

Both KK Mart and the socks supplier Xin Jian Chang Sdn Bhd were fined RM60,000 each after pleading guilty to charges of causing religious offence.

DAP Youth chief, MCA veep 'ham'-mer Akmal for fanning flames

Akmal sees red over KK Mart's 'ham' sandwich, recalls old wound