UM Ham Sandwich Controversy: A Summary of Concerns Over the Non-Halal Sandwich

In a TikTok video posted through an account named @pembinaum, they also displayed a search on the official Malaysia Halal Status Verification website, which shows that neither the product nor the store holds Halal certification or status.

@pembinaum

PENGGUNAAN LABEL HAM PADA MAKANAN BERSTATUS HALAL? Makanan berstatus halal tetapi berlabelkan ham? Bagaimanakah keadaan ini boleh berlaku? #pembinaum #PPIM #halal #kkmart

♬ original sound - PembinaUM

Following the claim, Pembina UM had lodged a police report regarding the issue.

UM has immediately closed down two convenience stores

In response to the claim and the police report, UM had taken action by closing two 24-hour convenience stores in the university.

In the statement dated 10th January, the closure was meant to facilitate police investigations. The outlets are said to remain closed until further notice.

UM also assured the public that all products on its campus are sourced from suppliers who comply with existing laws, standards, regulations, and procedures.

JAKIM confirmed the ham & cheese sandwich DOES NOT possess a Halal certificate

During a field investigation with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), JAKIM has confirmed that the ham & cheese sandwich did not possess the Malaysia Halal Certification (SPHM).

Therefore, the company's act of printing the Malaysian Halal logo on the product label is an offence under the Trade Descriptions Act 2011 [Act 730], specifically the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking of Halal) Order 2011.

It is understood that legal action has been taken by KPDN.

Meanwhile, KK Mart blames the supplier after JAKIM’s statement

As reported in Malay Mail, KK Mart said that a supplier of a ham and cheese sandwich misused their logo.

KK Mart said that they had depended on the supplier, Shake and Bake Cafe Sdn Bhd, for the product's Halal certification.