A chicken meat supplier in Kuala Lumpur (KL), Malaysia, is under investigation after its staff allegedly put chickens in hot water alive during processing.
The incident went viral after recordings of the supplier’s TikTok live on 19 Oct were widely circulated on social media.
The alleged act also raised concerns that the business could be supplying to halal restaurants.
The Rakyat Post explained that wholesalers can sell live birds to be slaughtered elsewhere without halal status concerns, as the chickens are still sold alive.
Additionally, chicken suppliers do not always slaughter poultry, and the law does not require them to.
However, if they are selling chicken meat as halal, it must be slaughtered in accordance with Islamic guidelines.
Source: Team Aktivis Surplus Terjah PATI KL/Selangor on Facebook
As such, the business involved may face legal trouble if found supplying to halal-certified businesses, including restaurants.
In a Facebook post on 20 Oct, Putrajaya Member of Parliament (MP) Dr Radzi Jidin called on the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) to investigate the issue.
He demanded for the agency to launch an immediate investigation into the slaughtering methods and halal status of the supplier, and find out where they are selling the chicken meat.
Source: Team Aktivis Surplus Terjah PATI KL/Selangor on Facebook
The Kuala Lumpur City Hall, Ministry of Health, and the Malaysian Immigration Department should also join the probe, he said.
This is to look into possible issues with cleanliness, legal violations, misuse of the halal logo, and the status of the business’ foreign worker permits.
“If proven to be a violation, strict action must be taken. The issue of halal and food safety cannot be taken lightly!” Dr Radzi wrote.
The MP said he has lodged an official complaint to the Director General of JAKIM as well as informed the Ministry of Religious Affairs about the issue.
JAKIM Director-General Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee said the department is conducting a thorough investigation into the allegations against the chicken supplier.
According to Harian Metro, Dr Sirajuddin also said the probe into the establishment near Pudu Market involves local authorities. He said:
“A thorough investigation is being conducted with local authorities regarding companies that are not holders of the Malaysian Halal Certification (SPHM) regarding the chicken issue that is going viral.”
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Featured image adapted from Team Aktivis Surplus Terjah PATI KL/Selangor on Facebook.