GEORGE TOWN: The government has tasked the Islamic Development Department (Jakim), the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry and the police with investigating the recent controversy surrounding the "ham sandwich" issue, says Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Deputy Prime Minister, who is also Halal Industry Development Council (MPIH) chairman, said swift action had been taken with the immediate closure of two retail outlets at the university campus that sold the product.
"As MPIH chairman, I have coordinated with Jakim and made recommendations to ensure that matters concerning religion are handled with care to prevent such issues.
"I hope this matter is not blown out of proportion, as the retail chain has proactively withdrawn the product. This might have been an error, and we hope it serves as a valuable lesson," he said in a press conference here on Sunday (Jan 19).
On Jan 15, Jakim director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee was reported as saying that an inspection conducted with the ministry on Jan 10 found the "Ham and Cheese Sandwich" product lacked a Malaysian Halal Certification (SPHM) and that the company producing the product did not have also did not have a halal licence. – Bernama