Cover image via animo & Malaysia Gazette
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A coffee and biscuit processing factory in Melaka has had its halal certification revoked after authorities discovered it was using cleaning brushes believed to be made from pig bristles
The issue was first detected during a January inspection by the Melaka Islamic Religious Department (JAIM).
The brushes were seized and sent to the Malaysia Halal Analysis Centre (MyHAC) for testing. Results returned last month confirmed the brushes had the "physical characteristics" of pig hair.
JAIM director Datuk Md Azhan Samat said the finding prompted the immediate revocation of the factory's Sijil Pengesahan Halal Malaysia (SPHM).
He added that the factory had been operating for over a decade and previously held a valid halal certification issued by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM).
The management reportedly claimed they were unaware of the brush material, but Azhan said ignorance is not an acceptable excuse.
Halal certificate holders, he stressed, are responsible for ensuring strict compliance with halal standards at all times to maintain consumer trust.
Animal-bristle brushes used for equipment cleaning were seized for inspection by the Melaka Islamic Religious Department (JAIM).
Image via Malaysia Gazette (Image upscaled using Gemini by SAYS)What drew even more attention online was the lack of information on which specific brands were affected
As the news spread, social media users began speculating, and in some cases, singled out local coffee companies.
One of them, Sin Sing Coffee, today, 2 April, issued an official statement denying any involvement.
Sin Sing Coffee said the viral images and claims were unrelated to its operations, products, or equipment.
It also clarified that it only produces coffee, not biscuits, as some reports suggested.
"Our company consistently maintains the standards and requirements of the Malaysian halal certification. All our processes align with the stipulated hygiene and syariah guidelines. Our halal status is still valid and recognised," the company said.
It also urged the public not to spread unverified information or make assumptions that could cause misunderstandings.
Checks by SAYS on the official Halal Malaysia portal confirm that Sin Sing Coffee's halal certification is still valid
