KK Mart Under Fire for Questionable Halal Certification
Controversy Surrounding Product Procurement Process
PETALING JAYA: KK Mart is facing increased scrutiny over its product procurement process after selling pre-packed chicken ham and cheese sandwiches with questionable halal certification at its Universiti Malaya outlet.
Investigation Reveals Non-Halal Certification
The Islamic Development Department (Jakim) confirmed that neither the product nor its manufacturer held valid halal certification. The Domestic Trade and Costs of Living Ministry (KPDN) also discovered that the halal logo on the packaging was issued to a different company that had ceased operations and sold its business to the firm involved in the issue.
MP Calls for Accountability
In a statement, Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung criticised the convenience store chain, emphasizing that the business must take responsibility beyond blaming the supplier. He urged KK Mart to set an example as a responsible Malaysian company with a commitment to social responsibility.
Recurring Controversy
Lee pointed out that the latest incident follows a similar controversy from last year, where KK Mart outlets sold socks featuring the word "Allah". He called on KK Mart to review its internal product procurement process, establish clear standard operating procedures (SOP), and ensure that halal standards are strictly upheld to protect customer sensitivities.
Impact on Malaysia’s Halal Industry
Lee warned that the careless actions of some local businesses could harm Malaysia’s image as a leader in the halal industry, which has topped the State of the Global Islamic Economy (SGIE) rankings for 10 consecutive years. He highlighted that the country’s halal sector contributes significantly to the country’s economy and aims to contribute 8.1% of GDP by 2025, increasing to 10.8% by 2030.
Conclusion
The recent controversy surrounding KK Mart’s product procurement process has raised concerns about the company’s commitment to upholding halal standards. As a responsible business, it is crucial for KK Mart to take full responsibility for its actions and ensure that its products meet the required halal certification. The company must prioritize customer sensitivities and take concrete steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
FAQs
Q: What is the controversy surrounding KK Mart?
A: KK Mart is facing scrutiny over its product procurement process after selling pre-packed chicken ham and cheese sandwiches with questionable halal certification at its Universiti Malaya outlet.
Q: What did the investigation reveal?
A: The investigation found that neither the product nor its manufacturer held valid halal certification, and the halal logo on the packaging was issued to a different company that had ceased operations and sold its business to the firm involved in the issue.
Q: What did MP Lee Chean Chung say about the issue?
A: MP Lee Chean Chung criticized KK Mart, emphasizing that the business must take responsibility beyond blaming the supplier and urged the company to set an example as a responsible Malaysian company with a commitment to social responsibility.