PKR Youth urges thorough probe into halal logo misuse on 'ham sandwiches'

Summary

• PKR Youth urges the police to investigate allegations that KK Mart and Shake And Bake Cafe Sdn Bhd misused the halal logo on their ham and cheese sandwich products without proper certification.

• The unauthorised use of the halal logo undermines Muslim consumers’ trust and highlights the need for corporations to ensure compliance with halal certification and respect religious sensitivities.

• The public is encouraged to verify halal status using official apps and report fraud while emphasising the importance of preserving racial and religious harmony in Malaysia.

PKR Youth has urged the authorities, particularly the police, to conduct a comprehensive probe into allegations that KK Mart and its supplier, Shake And Bake Cafe Sdn Bhd, have been selling ham and cheese sandwich products bearing the halal logo without the required Malaysian Halal Certification (SPHM).

PKR Youth information chief Nabil Halimi expressed concern over the implications of such actions on Muslim consumers’ trust in halal-certified products.

He emphasised that the unauthorised use of the halal logo is not only a breach of the law but also creates confusion and undermines the confidence of consumers, particularly within Malaysia’s Muslim community.

“Corporations, including manufacturers and distributors, must take full responsibility to ensure their products comply with regulations and respect the sensitivities of consumers,” Nabil stated in a press release.

He further highlighted the importance of upholding the principles of the Rukun Negara, specifically “Belief in God,” as a reminder of the need to respect religious practices in a multiracial and multireligious society.

Any act of provocation or negligence that could potentially spark racial or religious tensions must be avoided at all costs, said the PKR Youth leader.

To empower consumers, the public has been encouraged to utilise the Malaysian halal app and portal to verify the halal status of products and report any suspicious activity or fraud to the authorities.

Let investigations take course

Nabil called on all parties to trust the relevant enforcement bodies to carry out investigations and take stern action in accordance with the law.

“Let us continue to strengthen social harmony and safeguard the unity that forms the foundation of our nation,” he urged.

Yesterday, KK Mart clarified the controversial ham in the sandwich was 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.

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.

However, the Islamic Development Department 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.

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

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