In a recent court session, a restaurant owner admitted guilt to charges related to the unauthorized display of the halal logo at his establishment. The incident occurred at a restaurant located on Jalan Temenggong in November of the previous year.

Guilty Plea in Court

Lim Beng Kee, 48, entered his guilty plea after the charges were presented to him by Judge Zulkifli Abdullah. The court has scheduled May 13 for the presentation of case facts and sentencing, where the details of the case will be discussed further.

Details of the Charges

The charges against Lim stem from an incident on November 18, when he allegedly labeled food as halal without the necessary authorization or certification from the appropriate authorities. This action violated the Trade Descriptions (Halal Certification and Marking) Order 2011, specifically Order 4(1)(a) & (b), under the Trade Descriptions Act 2011. Such violations are serious and can lead to significant penalties.

Potential Consequences

For displaying the halal logo without proper authorization, Lim faces severe consequences. The law stipulates that he could be fined up to RM100,000 or face imprisonment for up to three years, or potentially both. The prosecution in this case was led by Muhammadi Iman Masjuri from the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDN).

Bail Considerations

During the proceedings, Prosecuting Officer Muhammad Iman proposed a bail amount of RM10,000 with one surety, citing the seriousness of the offense. However, Lim requested a reduction in the bail amount due to financial difficulties. The judge ultimately set the bail at RM8,000 with one surety, allowing Lim to secure his release while awaiting further court proceedings.

This case highlights the importance of adhering to regulations regarding halal certification in the food industry. Unauthorized use of the halal logo not only misleads consumers but also undermines the integrity of halal standards. As the court prepares for the next steps in this case, it serves as a reminder for all food establishments to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

Original Article:

New Straits Times. (2025, April 18). Restaurant owner pleads guilty to unauthorised halal logo display. New Straits Times. https://www.nst.com.my/amp/news/crime-courts/2025/04/1198890/restaurant-owner-pleads-guilty-unauthorised-halal-logo-display