Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung said the convenience store chain, as a known chain, should tighten its internal controls to protect customer sensitivities and uphold halal standards.

“Simply blaming the suppliers is not enough. As a Malaysian business, KK Mart must set an example as a responsible company with social responsibility,” he said in a statement today.

KK Mart announced that it had suspended all business dealings with the supplier of the pre-packed sandwiches sold at an outlet in Universiti Malaya after concerns about the use of the halal logo on the packaging.

The Islamic development department meanwhile confirmed that neither the product nor the manufacturer was halal-certified.

The domestic trade and cost of living ministry found that the halal logo on the packaging was from a certification issued to another company which was no longer operating and had sold its business to the firm that was raided.

Lee said the incident came less than a year after another controversy involving the sale of socks bearing the word “Allah” at several KK Mart outlets.

“The careless actions of some local businesses could damage Malaysia’s image as a leader in the halal industry, which has maintained the top position for 10 consecutive years in the State of the Global Islamic Economy rankings,” he said.

He added that Malaysia was aiming for the halal industry to contribute 8.1% of the national gross domestic product by 2025, or 10.8% by 2030.

“It is important to recognise that Malaysia has always strived to expand its globally admired halal industry, and this recognition continues to be embraced by international entrepreneurs and investors,” he said.