IPOH: A biscuit factory in Taiping has been found using an invalid halal logo on its products as its certificate had expired.
The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry's Perak director Datuk Kamalludin Ismail said its officers and enforcement personnel raided the premises on Thursday (July 4).
Kamalludin said the products from the factory, which was registered in 2020, were distributed throughout the peninsula and to Sabah.
"Further checks found that the factory owner did not renew the halal certificate after it expired," he said in a statement on Friday (July 5).
Kamalludin said about 940 pieces of packaging and 1,800 stickers, worth about RM2,400, were seized.
"The matter will be investigated under Rule 8(a) of the Trade Descriptions (Definition of Halal) Order.
"If found guilty, the factory can be fined a maximum of RM50,000 or RM100,000 if it is a repeat offence.
"The owner can be fined up to RM250,000 or jailed three years or both if convicted," he said, adding that the penalty would be increased to RM500,000 or five years in jail for subsequent offences.
He said the ministry was serious about the misuse of the halal logo on food products.
"The community and consumers are urged to be the eyes and ears of the ministry by channelling information about suspicious products to us.
"Any information about wrongdoings by traders can be sent to the ministry through WhatsApp at 019-279 4317; its portal at http://eaduan.kpdn.gov.my; the call centre at 1-800-866-800; by email to e-aduan@kpdn.gov.my; or the mobile app Ez Adu KPDN," he added.
