GEORGE TOWN: Three company directors and their firms were charged in court with misusing the halal logo on uncertified products, “Muslim friendly” signboards and Arabic words for “halal kitchen”.
The three cases were the first prosecutions in Penang under the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking of Halal) Order 2011.
In the first case, Abdul Samad Ayob and his company, SAG 7 International Sdn Bhd, were charged with using a halal logo on six products without certification.
Abdul Samad, 51, is accused of displaying the logo on the company’s premises in Bukit Minyak Industrial Park, Simpang Ampat, at about 11am on Jan 14.
The charge was framed under Paragraph 8(a) of the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking of Halal) Order 2011, which carries a fine of up to RM200,000 for a first offence by a company.
Abdul Samad, who was represented, pleaded not guilty before Sessions Court judge Irwan Suainbon yesterday.
The court fixed Aug 27 for mention.
In a separate case, restaurant operator Robert Khoo Keat Hoe, 53, and his company, Laksa Mana X Sdn Bhd, pleaded guilty to displaying the phrases “Muslim friendly” and “Muslim friendly cafe” on signboards on his premises in Lebuh Chulia on Sept 24 last year.
The prosecution said the signboards could mislead the public into believing the food served was halal although the restaurant had no genuine halal certification.
Khoo told the court he sourced ingredients from halal-certified suppliers and believed the term could be used. He said the signboards were removed once he learnt they were not permitted and that he had begun applying for certification.
In mitigation, his lawyer Suzzanne Tan said Khoo had misunderstood the requirements and made a genuine mistake, urging leniency as he pleaded guilty.
Judge Irwan fined Khoo RM10,000, in default 12 months’ jail, while his company was fined RM20,000, in default 15 months’ jail.
In the third case, Sia Khai Jun, 24, and his company, Silk Road Lanzhou Beef Noodles Sdn Bhd, pleaded guilty to displaying menu books bearing the Arabic phrase for “halal kitchen” without certification.
The offence was committed at the company’s restaurant in Taman Pauh Jaya, Permatang Pauh, on Sept 23 last year.
Sia, who was unrepresented, appealed for a lighter sentence, saying he is supporting four dependants.
Judge Irwan fined him RM10,000, in default 10 months’ jail, while the company was fined RM20,000, in default 15 months’ jail.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry prosecuting officer Mohd Hilmi Abu Hassan appeared for the prosecution in all three cases.
