By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, March 13: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) reportedly confirmed receiving samples of frozen squid rings accused to be pork intestines or rectums by some social media users.
According to a report by Harian Metro, KPDNHEP Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi stated that samples of the squid rings were sent to the Chemical Department for analysis and that his officers are still awaiting the results.
“The investigation was conducted after receiving complaints from the public. So far, two investigation papers have been opened.
“The product was also sent to the Chemistry Department to be tested to confirm its contents. After that, issues related to it being halal or otherwise will be submitted to the Islamic Development Department Malaysia (Jakim),” he was quoted as saying.
Last week, a post went viral on social media alleging that the frozen squid rings sold by a company were pork intestines, justifying its allegation by claiming that they would have spots on them if they were squids.
A Twitter user shared a screenshot of her mother’s WhatsApp message, including a photograph of a bag of frozen squid rings with the halal logo.
On March 4, Jakim said it took note of the viral issue and was investigating this with several state Islamic affairs departments and KPDNHEP and urged all against engaging in speculation until the investigation results are officially announced.
Meanwhile, Shen Hua Resources, the company that sold the squid rings, announced on March 9 that it would sue two Internet users for spreading false information about the squid rings being pig intestines, adding that a police report had been filed against the duo.
Datuk Abd Aziz Jamaluddin, the chief representative in Malaysia of Shandong Halal Certification Services (SHCS), which assisted the company in obtaining its halal certification, reportedly vouched for the product on March 9 and stated that the matter could be easily resolved with a lab test. — DayakDaily
