Zamzam water sold openly despite ban
GEORGE TOWN: Zamzam water from Mecca is still being sold openly in the state despite a ban.
Checks by the New Straits Times found a shop near Chowrasta Market here selling Islamic prayer items, including perfume and prayer mats, and also the water in mineral water bottles.
The zamzam bottles were next to other water bottles.
The shop sells zamzam water in two sizes, with the smaller one priced at RM12 and the larger 500ml one at RM28.
The seller, who preferred anonymity, said the water was real zamzam water from Mecca, but bottled locally before being distributed to local shops.
But the seller dodged the question when asked whether there was clearance from the government to sell the zamzam water.
“I do not know what you are talking about. We have been selling this for many years,” said a salesperson.
Yesterday, the Health Ministry announced that it would conduct a sweep on the sale of zamzam water following a ban issued by the Saudi Arabian embassy.
Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said those caught selling zamzam water faced a maximum fine of RM10,000 or up to two years’ jail under the Food Regulations 1985.
He said the ministry, through the Food Safety and Quality Division, was taking action against the sale of the water under Section 4(1) (f ) of the Food Act 1983.
The ministry seized RM58,191.80 worth of zamzam water between 2012 and October this year.
Zamzam water is usually taken by people performing the haj or umrah. The water is distributed for the personal consumption of pilgrims and is limited.