A Teluk Intan restaurant owner faces legal action for displaying Quranic verses without halal certification, potentially misleading Muslim customers about food status.
TELUK INTAN: A restaurant owner here is facing legal action for displaying verses from the Quran and related Islamic symbols without possessing official halal certification.
The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) stated this created confusion over the halal status of the food sold.
A KPDN enforcement team inspected the premises and found it had no certification or verification from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM).
The owner also employed two non-Muslim workers in food preparation, including the chef.
Perak KPDN director Datuk Kamalludin Ismail said displaying Quranic verses gives the impression the food is halal for Muslim consumption.
Following the inspection, the owner was detained for questioning.
Several items worth RM500 were seized for investigation under the Trade Descriptions (Definition of Halal) Order 2011.
The seized items included decorative inscriptions of ‘Allah’ and ‘Muhammad’, a Quran wall display, and the business licence.
For this offence, individuals face penalties of up to RM1 million or three years’ imprisonment.
Corporations can be fined up to RM5 million for the same violation.
The owner is also being investigated under the Trade Descriptions (Halal Certification and Marking) Order 2011.
This separate offence carries a maximum fine of RM100,000 or three years’ jail for individuals.
Corporations face fines of up to RM200,000 under this provision.
Kamalludin added that KPDN will take stern action against traders using unauthorised halal logos or definitions.
He said such actions can mislead Muslims regarding the halal status of food, goods, and services.
