GEORGE TOWN: Three company directors and their firms faced the Sessions Court here in Penang's first prosecutions under the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking of Halal) Order 2011 involving alleged misleading halal-related representations.
Company director Abdul Samad Ayob, 51, and SAG 7 International Sdn Bhd pleaded not guilty to using a halal logo on six products without halal certification.
Abdul Samad, represented by lawyer KR Meera, was accused of displaying the halal logo on the products at the company's premises in Bukit Minyak Industrial Park, Simpang Ampat, at about 11am on Jan 14 this year.
The charge, under Paragraph 8(a) of the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking of Halal) Order 2011, carries a fine of up to RM200,000 for a first offence by a body corporate upon conviction.
He claimed trial before Sessions Court judge Irwan Suainbon on Thursday (July 23).
The court fixed Aug 27 for mention.
In a separate case, restaurant operator Robert Khoo Keat Hoe, 53, and Laksamana (X) Sdn Bhd pleaded guilty to displaying the phrases "Muslim Friendly" and "Muslim Friendly Cafe" on signboards at their premises in Lebuh Chulia on Sept 24 last year.
The prosecution alleged that the signboards could mislead the public into believing the food served was halal or suitable for Muslims despite lacking certification from the competent authority.
During mitigation, his counsel Suzzanne Tan said Khoo had misunderstood the requirements and that the offence was a genuine mistake.
Judge Irwan fined Khoo RM10,000, in default 12 months' imprisonment, while Laksamana (X) Sdn Bhd was fined RM20,000, in default 15 months' imprisonment.
Meanwhile, Sia Khai Jun, 24, and Silk Road Lanzhou Beef Noodles Sdn Bhd pleaded guilty to displaying four menu books bearing the Arabic phrase for "halal kitchen" without halal certification at the company's restaurant in Taman Pauh Jaya, Permatang Pauh, on Sept 23 last year.
Judge Irwan fined Sia RM10,000, in default 10 months' imprisonment, while Silk Road Lanzhou Beef Noodles Sdn Bhd was fined RM20,000, in default 15 months' imprisonment.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry prosecuting officer Mohd Hilmi Abu Hassan prosecuted all the cases.
