Kuala Lumpur: Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, has urged all parties to refrain from speculating on the alleged misuse of the halal logo involving ‘ham and cheese’ sandwiches purportedly sold at a convenience store within a public university in Kuala Lumpur. Armizan emphasized the importance of allowing the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation according to the law.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Armizan requested that the public give space and opportunity to the relevant authorities, ensuring that the investigation proceeds without interference. He stressed the need for transparency in the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living’s (KPDN) commitment to ensuring justice. “We should not interfere with the investigation. Don’t pressure, don’t speculate. Let the investigation be completed,” Armizan stated during a press conference following the KPDN New Year’s Message and Direction for 2025 event.
The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) confirmed on January 13 that the ‘ham and cheese’ sandwiches sold at the convenience store did not possess a halal certificate. Furthermore, the company producing these sandwiches is not recognized as a holder of the Malaysian Halal Certification (SPHM). In addition, Armizan mentioned that his ministry has not yet received the results of the Department of Chemistry’s chemical tests on the sandwich samples.
In a related development, Armizan advised victims of fraud by umrah tour operators to file complaints with the Malaysian Consumer Claims Tribunal (TTPM). This follows a recent raid by the Selangor Commercial Crime Investigation Department (JSJK) on a travel agency’s office in Sepang. The company failed to deliver promises to over 300 umrah pilgrims.
Initial investigations revealed that the agency had been operating since 2022 and was based in a three-storey building in Sepang since October last year. Selangor Police Chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan disclosed that the company owner, accused of defrauding RM2.1 million in umrah packages, has a criminal record involving a fraud case related to an investment in Johor last year, which continues to be under investigation.