Recently, the discovery of a ham and cheese sandwich with a halal label at a KK Mart in University Malaya has put the convenience store in hot water yet again.
How It All Began
The controversy began on January 10 when a University Malaya (UM) student representative from the Islamic Youth Association posted a TikTok video. The video alleged that the halal logo on a ham and cheese sandwich sold at a KK Mart outlet on campus might be fake.
“As far as I know, the halal logo on the sandwich does not comply with Jakim’s specifications,” the student claimed. The video also showed a search on Malaysia’s Halal Status Verification website, confirming that neither the sandwich nor the supplier was halal-certified.
The university responded quickly in an official statement, ordering the 24-hour marts on campus to close for investigation. The revelation sparked outrage online, with many accusing KK Mart of betraying consumer trust.
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JAKIM’s Investigation and Findings
On January 12, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) conducted an on-site investigation and issued an official statement, confirming that the sandwich in question lacked a valid Malaysian halal certification (SPHM).
JAKIM clarified that using a halal logo without proper certification is an offense under the Trade Description Act 2011. JAKIM further advised consumers to verify halal claims through the Malaysia Halal Portal or the ‘Verify Halal’ app.
A History of Controversy
This isn’t KK Mart’s first brush with Islamic sensitivities. Last year, KK Mart drew ire after it put socks featuring the word “Allah” printed on them for sale in its outlet in Bandar Sunway.
The company was then charged for “deliberately intending to hurt the religious feelings of Muslims”, with KK Mart and its supplier fined RM60,000.
UMNO Youth Chief Muhammad Akmal Saleh expressed his frustration on TikTok, saying, “Since when is ham considered halal? How did this product obtain halal certification?” He also referenced the earlier sock controversy, stating, “We have had enough of these insults to our religion.”
@drakmalsaleh Luka lama pon masih belum sembuh,kini ditusuk lagi luka yang baru Minta pihak berkuasa siasat dan tindakan yang tegas perlu diambil #drakmalsaleh ♬ Epic Inspiration – Kidmada
KK Mart Responds
In response to the allegations, KK Mart distanced itself from the supplier, Shake and Bake Café. The company stated that it had issued a letter of demand to the supplier and filed a police report.
In its explanation, KK Mart emphasized that the supplier had provided a halal certificate for the chicken ham and cheese layers “as reference,” but was not authorized to use the KK Super Mart logo on the packaging.
Despite this explanation, netizens called for a boycott, criticizing the company for its perceived failure to ensure compliance with halal standards.
Halal Meat, But Not Halal Certified
The sandwich producer, Shake and Bake Café, has clarified that the chicken ham used in the sandwiches was halal-certified. However, JAKIM reiterated that halal certification applies to the entire product, including handling, preparation, and processing.
“Products can only be certified as halal by the authorized body once they comply with Malaysia’s halal certification standards and procedures,” stated JAKIM’s director-general, Sirajuddin Suhaimee.
According to JAKIM, the supplier’s claim that the chicken ham was halal did not validate the product’s halal status.
A Broader Debate on Halal Compliance
In Malaysia, halal certification is trusted by the majority of Muslim consumers, and they rely on these certifications to make informed choices.
This controversy raises important questions such as: What is the responsibility of businesses in maintaining halal standards?
Should companies face stricter penalties for misleading labels? Or should consumers exercise more self-awareness over their choices?
What do you think about this?
Let us know your thoughts at hello@inreallife.my and you may be featured on In Real Life Malaysia.
Also read: KK Mart Boycotted Over Allah Socks Controversy, Here’s What M’sians Are Saying – In Real Life
KK Mart Boycotted Over Allah Socks Controversy, Here’s What M’sians Are Saying
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