KUCHING: The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) took legal action against two business operators for using the halal logo without valid certification.
In a statement, Sarawak KPDNHEP enforcement team together with Sarawak Islamic Department (JAIS) Halal Management monitoring and enforcement unit conducted inspections on two premises-an eatery in Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce and a shop selling chicken in Jalan Rubber-on Thursday (July 23).
Both premises were found using the halal logo without a valid halal certificate from JAIS Halal Management Division, and have been charged under the Trade Descriptions (Takrif Halal) Act 2011, Regulation 4(1).
If the offender is a corporate body, and convicted, they will be fined not exceeding RM5mil for the first offence, and for the second or subsequent offence, they will be fined not exceeding RM10mil; or if the person is not a corporate body, they will be fined not more than RM1mil or imprisoned for a term not exceeding three years or both, and for the second or subsequent offence, they will be fined not exceeding RM5mil or imprisoned for a term not exceeding five years or both.
Sarawak KPDNHEP would like to advise all food and beverage operators as well as premises selling chicken and meat to obtain halal certificates from Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) or JAIS to ensure halal guarantee and quality while increasing consumer confidence.
Sarawak KPDNHEP has carried out inspection at 41,430 business premises in urban and rural areas since Jan 1.
The ministry has recorded a total of 623 cases with a seizure value of RM3,628,172.87 and a total compound of RM188,450.
Meanwhile, during the movement control order period from March 18 to July 23, Sarawak KPDNHEP recorded 250 cases with a seizure value of RM1,356,939.69 and a compound value of RM64,900.