PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Armizan Ali has urged patience regarding the controversial "ham and cheese" sandwich issue, saying due process should take its course.
The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister also asked the public not to speculate and to allow the investigation to proceed.
"We have to let the due process run its course, which includes the investigation in accordance with the law.
"Let's leave it to the authorities to investigate the matter," he said at the ministry's headquarters on Monday (Jan 20).
Last week, it was reported that a 'ham and cheese' sandwich sample, allegedly misusing the halal logo, was sent for a DNA test to check for non-halal ingredients.
Armizan said his ministry has yet to receive the results of the analysis.
"Our commitment is to ensure the investigations are done transparently and promptly," he added.
He said the ministry would take legal action if any wrongdoing is discovered after the investigations, including findings from the Chemistry Department's analysis.
On January 10, Universiti Malaya closed two 24-hour convenience outlets on its campus that were selling sandwich packs labelled "ham and cheese" with a halal logo.
On January 15, Jakim director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee said an inspection with the ministry on January 10 found the "Ham and Cheese Sandwich" product lacked Malaysian Halal Certification (SPHM) and the producing company did not have a halal licence.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar had instructed Jakim to collaborate with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to enforce action and prosecute those misusing the halal logo.
He said the misuse of the halal label on products is a serious offence and expressed regret over the incident at the UM outlets.
