Now Jakim says ‘dog’ not reason behind issue

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) has now backtracked, saying that the word “dog” is not the reason behind Auntie Anne’s pretzel chain not receiving its halal certification.

Jakim halal division director Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee said the media had blown the issue “out of proportion”.

“My words were taken out of context. The pretzel chain application for halal certification did not go through due to incomplete paperwork.

“I would like to stress that my previous remarks on dogs being unclean and that the name should not be linked to the halal certification was not specific to Auntie Anne’s case.

“It was a general statement based on the standard guidelines and procedures to apply for halal certification,” he said when met outside the parliament lobby yesterday.

Dr Sirajuddin also pointed out that the term “pretzel dog” was not included in the application.

“I have double checked. We are looking at the audit report based on the findings of the central kitchen.

“That’s the procedure but someone has raised the issue about the product name,” he said, explaining the controversy over the issue on why the name was rejected.

Dr Sirajuddin said Jakim officials would meet to discuss the issue further.

Over the past week, the issue has gone viral on social media after an executive from Auntie Anne’s disclosed that its application for halal certification was rejected due to concerns over “pretzel dog” in the menu.

On Tuesday, when contacted by The Star Online, Dr Sirajuddin said Jakim had recommended the name change in order for Auntie Anne’s to receive halal certification.

He had also said that a Jakim panel had decided not to use such a name.

My previous remarks on dogs being unclean and that the name should not be linked to the halal certification was not specific to Auntie Anne’s case. Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee