The University of Malaya (UM) has temporarily shut down two 24-hour retail stores on campus after allegations surfaced regarding the sale of a “Ham and Cheese Sandwich” labeled as halal. The issue, which has sparked heated debates, was raised by Datuk Akmal, leader of the Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement (Perkasa), who questioned the halal certification of the product.
The Controversy
The issue gained traction after a video statement by Datuk Akmal, in which he directly named KK Supermart as one of the stores involved. Akmal expressed concerns about how the product could carry a halal label, given the connotations of the term “ham”.
Akmal’s Concerns:
- “If the product is for non-Muslim students, that’s fine. But since when is a ‘Ham and Cheese Sandwich’ halal? How can we ensure that all products with halal labels truly comply with halal standards?”
- He also referred to lingering discontent within the Malay community over past incidents involving the retailer, including last year’s sock controversy.
Netizens’ Perspective:
Some social media users argued that “ham” doesn’t always imply pork, as chicken or turkey ham is commonly available in the market and can be halal-certified.
UM’s Response
UM announced the temporary closure of the two stores to facilitate an investigation, ensuring that the claims are thoroughly verified without interference. The university emphasized its commitment to upholding halal standards and addressing student concerns.
Call for Investigation
Akmal stated that since UM students have already lodged a police report over the matter, the authorities must conduct a thorough investigation to verify the claims.
“Ensuring the integrity of halal products is not just about sandwiches—it’s about guaranteeing that every item sold under a halal label adheres to proper standards,” he said.
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