THE Penang Islamic Religious Department (JHEAIPP) has been instructed by the state government to investigate claims that a Muslim chicken rice trader in Sungai Ara has been selling food sourced from a non-Muslim eatery. 

Deputy Chief Minister Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman said the issue is serious as it involves Muslim sensitivity. 

“I understand that for now, the investigation being carried out is based on what has been reported over social media as we have yet to receive an official complaint. We are responding to what is seen on social media only,” he told Bernama. 

Ahmad Zakiyuddin, who is also Islamic Religious Council chairman said the owner and workers of the said eatery have been identified and would be called in for questioning soon. 

Meanwhile, when contacted, Penang Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) director A. Mogan said JHEAIPP had requested a joint investigation to be conducted on the matter. 

A video clip showing two men entering a non-Muslim shop to collect what is alleged to be chicken rice to be resold at a Malay eatery in Sungai Ara had gone viral since yesterday, which in turn had caused concern among the Muslim community. 

Meanwhile, JHEAIPP said in a statement, investigations revealed that the eatery where the Muslim trader allegedly resold the chicken and duck rice did not have a Malaysian Halal Certification (SPHM).

JHEAIPP acting director Mohd Hanif Omar @ Wahab said the Muslim man’s chicken and duck rice stall in Sungai Ara was not open, adding they also found out that the man owned another stall, in partnership with a non-Muslim man, in a mall in Gurney Drive.

“Both premises do not have SPHM,” he said.

He said an inspection conducted by JHEAIPP and KPDNHEP’s enforcement division found that food cooked at the food court stall was also sold at the eatery in Sungai Ara.

Mohd Hanif said the owners of the food court stall had been advised to apply for SPHM from JHEAIPP. – Bernama, August 16, 2022.