‘Kaya’ Factory Raided for Using Uncertified Halal Logo in Kamunting

In a significant raid conducted in Kamunting, Perak, a “kaya” factory, known for producing the popular coconut and egg spread, was caught using an uncertified halal logo. The factory, located in Taman Glenview, Kamunting, has been under scrutiny for allegedly misrepresenting the halal status of its products. The Perak Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) authorities, led by their director Datuk Kamalludin Ismail, conducted the raid late at night after receiving tips that the factory had not renewed its halal certification but continued to use the halal logo on its packaging.
This incident raises concerns about food safety, trust in halal certification, and the broader implications for Malaysia’s booming halal industry.

Uncertified Halal Logo: What Happened During the Raid?

The factory, which has been in operation since 1994, had previously maintained a valid halal certification issued by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM). However, during the raid, the factory’s owner was unable to produce a valid certificate. Investigations revealed that the factory’s halal certification had expired, but it continued to use the halal logo, misleading consumers into believing that the products were certified halal.

Authorities seized a total of 65 units of kaya products and around 2,000 plastic containers bearing the uncertified halal logo. These items are now being held as evidence, and the factory is under investigation for violating the Trade Description (Certification and Marking of Halal) Order 2011, which mandates that businesses must display only certified halal logos approved by JAKIM.

Expired Certification: A Serious Offense

The use of an uncertified halal logo is a serious offense in Malaysia, where halal certification is not just a religious issue but also a legal requirement. The halal logo, a symbol that a product complies with Islamic dietary laws, is essential for Muslim consumers, who make up a significant portion of the Malaysian population. According to Datuk Kamalludin, while the factory initially had a valid halal certification, the decision to continue using the expired certification was a clear violation of the law.

“Consumers trust the halal logo, and businesses have a responsibility to maintain that trust,” Kamalludin said in a statement following the raid. He emphasized that even though the factory had a history of compliance, it could not use the expired logo as it misleads consumers.

This case highlights a broader issue within the halal food industry — the need for stricter enforcement of halal certification standards and the importance of renewing certifications to maintain consumer trust.

The Role of JAKIM in Halal Certification

The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) plays a pivotal role in the halal certification process. JAKIM is the only body authorized to issue halal certifications in Malaysia, and its standards are recognized worldwide. A halal certification from JAKIM signifies that the product has met stringent Islamic dietary requirements and is safe for consumption by Muslims.

Halal certification is not only crucial for the domestic market but also for export. Malaysia has positioned itself as a global leader in the halal industry, with halal products contributing significantly to the country’s GDP. In 2020, Malaysia’s halal export sector generated over RM36 billion (approximately $8.5 billion), with food products accounting for a significant portion of this revenue.

Given the global demand for halal products, maintaining the integrity of Malaysia’s halal certification process is essential. Violations like the one discovered in Kamunting can have far-reaching consequences, not just for the company involved but also for the country’s reputation in the global halal market.

Halal Certification Fraud

The case in Kamunting is part of a growing concern over fraudulent halal certifications, both in Malaysia and globally. As the demand for halal products increases, some unscrupulous manufacturers may attempt to bypass the certification process or use expired logos, as seen in this case.

In recent years, Malaysia has ramped up efforts to address this issue. In 2021, JAKIM introduced stricter measures to ensure that all products claiming to be halal meet the required standards. These measures include more frequent inspections, penalties for non-compliance, and increased consumer education on how to verify the authenticity of halal logos.

Despite these efforts, the issue persists. Fake or expired halal logos are a significant threat to consumer trust, especially in a country like Malaysia, where the halal logo is a key purchasing decision for the majority Muslim population.

Legal Consequences of Using Uncertified Halal Logos

The legal consequences of using an uncertified halal logo in Malaysia are severe. Under the Trade Description Act 2011, businesses found using a fake or expired halal logo can face hefty fines, legal action, and even jail time. The act was specifically designed to protect consumers from being misled about the halal status of products and to ensure that businesses comply with Malaysia’s strict halal regulations.

For the kaya factory in Kamunting, the legal repercussions could be significant. While the investigation is ongoing, the factory could face substantial fines, and its reputation may suffer long-term damage. In an industry where trust is paramount, such violations can have lasting effects on consumer confidence.

Consumer Vigilance and Reporting

In light of this incident, Datuk Kamalludin Ismail has urged consumers to remain vigilant when purchasing halal products. He encourages the public to report any suspicious halal logos or businesses that may not be complying with halal certification standards. Consumers can report such violations through various channels, including WhatsApp, the KPDN website, or the EZ ADU KPDN mobile app.

“Consumer awareness is key to maintaining the integrity of the halal certification process. If consumers see something that doesn’t seem right, we encourage them to report it immediately,” Kamalludin said.

By taking an active role in reporting suspicious products, consumers can help ensure that businesses comply with halal standards and that the halal logo remains a trusted symbol of quality and compliance.

The Importance of Halal Certification in Malaysia’s Economy

Halal certification is not just a religious requirement in Malaysia; it’s also a critical driver of economic growth. The global halal market is estimated to be worth over $2 trillion, with halal food making up a significant portion of that figure. Malaysia, with its rigorous halal certification process, has become a major player in this market.

Maintaining the integrity of the halal certification process is essential for Malaysia’s continued success in the global halal industry. Incidents like the Kaya factory raid in Kamunting threaten not only consumer trust but also Malaysia’s reputation as a leader in halal certification.

For businesses, keeping halal certification up to date is crucial. The use of uncertified or expired halal logos not only violates the law but also risks damaging the trust that consumers place in the halal logo. As the demand for halal products continues to grow, businesses must prioritize compliance with halal certification standards to remain competitive and maintain consumer trust.

The raid on the kaya factory in Kamunting for using an uncertified halal logo serves as a stark reminder of the importance of halal certification in Malaysia. While the factory had a history of compliance, its failure to renew its halal certification and the continued use of an expired logo represents a serious breach of trust.

As Malaysia continues to lead the global halal market, maintaining the integrity of its halal certification process is more important than ever. Consumers and businesses alike must work together to ensure that the halal logo remains a trusted symbol of compliance and quality.