PPIM activist Sheikh Abdul Kareem (left) and Mawar advicer Bazeer Mohd Ibrahim speak to the press, May 29, 2014. — Bernama pic
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6 — The Muslim Consumer Association of Malaysia (PPIM) thanked bottler Chuan Sin Sdn Bhd today for responding quickly to its complaint over the unsuitable placement of a Hindu deity near the ‘halal’ logo on its labels.
However, PPIM head of monitoring and financial services Sheikh Abdul Kareem also warned other corporations to exercise extra caution in the future when it comes to such sensitive matters.
“Corporate companies need to be more vigilant in the future. Don’t make the mistake first and then apologise.
“People will get angry and do bad things, then it’ll be too late,” he told Malay Mail Online today.
The leader expressed the group’s appreciation at the company’s apology, and pointed out that the quick response was unlike the Cadbury case earlier this year.
“It’s better than what Cadbury did. They didn’t apologise at all!” he said.
In May this year, local Muslim groups raised a stink over reports that the chocolates sold by manufacturer Cadbury Confectionery Sdn Bhd contained elements of porcine DNA, which is not permitted for Muslim consumption.
In June, however, the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) confirmed that no pig DNA was found in 11 samples of Cadbury’s Dairy Milk Hazelnut and Dairy Milk Roast Almond products, which were sent to a special accredited laboratory for testing.
Asked about the status of PPIM’s report against Chuan Sin Sdn Bhd to the police, Sheikh Abdul said the matter is up to the authorities to handle.
“We appreciate the apology from Chuan Sin but when PPIM makes a police report, we will never pull it back. It is already in the public sphere.”
“It is in the hands of the police and the Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism (KPDNKK) who will continue the investigation as far as law is concerned. The police will investigate under the appropriate penal acts while KPDNKK will investigate it under Akta Perihal Dagangan,” he said.
Yesterday, PPIM and Perjuangan Warisan Islam Melayu Malaysia (PEWARIS) lodged a police report at Dang Wangi IPD, demanding the police to investigate the inappropriate placement of the Hindu God Lord Murugan near the “halal” logo on the labels of the Cactus Natural Mineral Water bottles.
PPIM first complained of the issue on Tuesday, accusing the bottler of being insensitive towards Muslims.
Yesterday, the firm explained in a statement here that the photograph was actually of Batu Caves and was selected as part of the company’s promotion of tourism hotspots in Malaysia in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2014.
It added Batu Caves was chosen as it is an “awe-inspiring” landmark and a major tourism draw in Malaysia.
“We would like to stress that it was never our intention to be disrespectful, cause unease or to offend anyone,” Chuan Sin Sdn Bhd deputy general manager Chong Mee Yoong said, before thanking members of the public for raising the issue to the firm’s attention.
As added reassurance, Chong said all mineral water bottles featuring the Batu Caves photograph will be removed from the shelves.
The firm will also cease production of bottle with that particular label, she said.
Today, Jakim warned the firm that it will suspend its “halal” certification if the labels are not discontinued immediately.
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