KUALA LUMPUR: Putrajaya Member of Parliament Datuk Radzi Jidin has called on the authorities to provide an immediate explanation regarding the operating status of a chicken processing facility following the circulation of a video raising concerns over its slaughtering methods and the halal status of its products.
He said the matter should not be allowed to drag on, as it involves halal compliance and consumer food safety.
Radzi said the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) had previously confirmed that the company concerned did not hold a Malaysian Halal Certification (SPHM), while investigations were being conducted in collaboration with the local authorities.
However, he questioned whether the facility was still permitted to operate while investigations were ongoing and sought clarification on which parties were receiving chicken supplies from the premises.
“How long will the investigation take? Who owns the facility? Is the chicken processing centre allowed to continue operating throughout the investigation?
“If so, where is the chicken of questionable halal status being supplied? Will chicken with disputed slaughtering methods continue to be sold in the market as halal?” he asked.
Radzi raised the questions in a Facebook post on Wednesday.
He also expressed concern that other chicken processing facilities could be using slaughtering methods that raise similar doubts about the halal status of their products.
He urged the authorities to clarify the matter promptly to address public concerns and ensure consumer confidence in the halal status of chicken products.
-AWANI
