Teresa Kok’s take on halal certificates for F&B outlets in Malaysia has caused controversy online, and UMNO Youth Chief, Dr Akmal Saleh has a message for the MP of Seputeh.
“Halal certificate is more than just no pork, no alcohol”
In his TikTok post @Drakmalsaleh, Akmal took the time to explain to Teresa about JAKIM’s Halal certificate, which is not merely about the prohibitions of pork and alcohol on the menu.
“The 1st thing I want to tell this old Nyonya is that the Halal certificate is also about the food preparation and where the ingredients are sourced. These are the rules.”
In the past, it could take vendors months to eventually obtain the Halal certificate after applying for the crucial documents to convince Muslim friends to dine in at the place. However, things are not the same anymore today.
Dr Akmal quoted Harian Metro and said the duration to obtain a Halal certificate from JAKIM has been shortened from months to only 23 days.
“So, what’s your problem with this Halal certificate? It doesn’t even have anything to do with you,” Dr. Akmal told Teresa.
In his clip, the UMNO Youth Chief also said Teresa is the one who would cause an embarrassment to the country.
“Members of Parliament like you are the ones who interrupt the country’s harmony. You are the one causing an international embarrassment, old Nyonya. If you don’t know anything, it’s best to shut up.”
At the end of his clip, Dr. Akmal also had a suggestion for the government.
“Print a non-halal logo and stick it on the old Nyonya’s forehead.”
Earlier, Teresa said the obligations for Halal certificates for restaurants without pork and alcohol will burden vendors and may make Malaysia an international joke. She has since explained her remark, which she claimed was taken out of context.
Watch on TikTok
What do you think of Dr. Akmal’s take on this, and Teresa’s explanations?
