Malaysian authorities have seized detergent products and related materials worth 215,700 ringgit after raiding a factory in Selangor over the alleged use of an unauthorised halal logo.

According to the Selangor branch of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), the operation was carried out on July 8 in collaboration with the Intelligence and Special Operations Division of the Putrajaya branch of the Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM).

The raid, conducted at around 11:25 am, found that the company had been selling detergent products through online platforms. Preliminary investigations indicated that the products were allegedly carrying an illegal or unauthorised halal logo for commercial purposes.

During the operation, enforcement officers seized 31,140 units of detergent, 40,000 plastic packaging materials and several documents related to halal certification. The total value of the confiscated items was estimated at 215,700 ringgit.

Authorities also inspected the documents of five foreign workers and a Malaysian company director. The five foreign workers were later handed over to the Immigration Department for further legal action.

KPDN said the operation was launched following public information regarding the alleged misuse of a halal logo on the company’s products.

An investigation has been initiated under the relevant laws.

Under Malaysian law, a company found guilty of misusing a halal logo may be fined up to 200,000 ringgit for a first offence and up to 500,000 ringgit for subsequent offences.

An individual convicted of the offence may face a fine of up to 100,000 ringgit imprisonment for up to three years, or both. Repeat offenders may be fined up to 250,000 ringgit sentenced to up to five years in prison, or both.

KPDN Selangor said it would not compromise with any individual or company involved in the misuse of halal certification logos, stressing that enforcement operations would continue to safeguard consumers’ interests and preserve the credibility of Malaysia’s halal certification system.