Fake Halal Ham Sandwich Sparks Outrage Over Certification Standards in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: The discovery of a ham and cheese sandwich with a counterfeit halal certification logo at a KK Super Mart on Universiti Malaya’s campus has ignited widespread public outrage and raised concerns over the integrity of Malaysia’s halal certification process.

The controversy erupted after a university student highlighted the issue on social media, questioning how the product could be labeled halal. The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim), responsible for halal certification, confirmed on Friday that the company producing the sandwich lacked an official halal certification and had violated trade laws.

Politicians from the Malay nationalist party Umno seized on the incident, with youth chief Akmal Saleh accusing the convenience store chain of “belittling Islam.” Akmal questioned, “Since when is ham considered halal, and how did this product obtain halal certification?”

While authorities have not disclosed whether the ham in question was pork-based, the incident has drawn attention to Malaysia’s rigorous halal certification system, which strictly prohibits pork, carrion, and improper slaughter practices. These rules are seen as essential in a country where over 60% of the 34 million population are Muslim.

The halal food industry is a cornerstone of Malaysia’s economy, projected to reach US$113.2 billion by 2030. Malaysia’s certification is internationally recognized by over 50 global bodies, strengthening its reputation as a leading global halal hub. However, incidents like this risk undermining public trust in the system.

The KK Super Mart chain has pledged full cooperation with authorities and announced legal action against the sandwich supplier. “We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards in delivering quality and ensuring the integrity of our products,” the company said in a statement.

Religious Affairs Minister Mohd Naim Mokhtar condemned the misuse of the halal label, calling it a serious offence. He reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding the integrity of halal certification, urging businesses to consult Jakim and state Islamic authorities.

This is not the first time KK Super Mart has faced controversy. Last year, the chain came under fire when socks bearing the word “Allah” were sold in one of its outlets, sparking protests that escalated into petrol bomb attacks on three stores.

As debates over the rigorous standards of halal certification continue, the issue has also highlighted the challenges businesses face in meeting compliance. Some establishments opt to market themselves as “Muslim-friendly” or “no pork served” to bypass the stringent requirements.

The ham sandwich scandal serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining public trust in the halal certification system, a cornerstone of Malaysia’s cultural and economic identity.