The Melaka Islamic Religious Department (JAIM) has revoked the halal certification of a factory producing coffee and biscuits after it was found to have allegedly used a brush made from pig bristles to clean its equipment.
The violation was uncovered during an inspection by JAIM’s Halal Management Division in January, where workers were discovered using the brush for cleaning purposes within the food processing facility.
JAIM director Datuk Md Azhan Samat said the factory, which has been operating for over a decade, previously held the Malaysian Halal Certification (SPHM) issued by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM).
He said the brush was seized during the inspection and sent to the Malaysia Halal Analysis Centre (MyHAC) in Bandar Enstek, Negeri Sembilan, for further testing.
Laboratory analysis conducted in March confirmed that the brush contained physical characteristics consistent with pig bristles, leading to the immediate revocation of the factory’s halal certification.
Md Azhan stressed that claims of ignorance by the worker involved were not acceptable, as all SPHM holders are required to strictly comply with halal standards at all times.
He added that certification holders must not take compliance lightly and are responsible for ensuring that every aspect of their operations adheres to established halal guidelines.
JAIM said it will continue to intensify monitoring and enforcement on all certified premises to safeguard the integrity of halal certification.
Consumers, particularly Muslims, were also advised to remain vigilant when selecting food products and to prioritise those certified halal by JAKIM for assurance in both compliance and hygiene.
