The Penang Islamic Council (MAINPP) found that four companies had issued fake halal certificates on food products which failed to meet the shariah guideline.

Its president Shabudin Yahaya said the companies issued certificates on products like yellow noodle, round noodle and koayteow.

He said MAINPP received many complaints from the public and checks revealed that dirty premises which failed to get its approval were among those which used fake halal certificates.

"The cleanliness of the food products was doubtful as they were exposed to bird faeces and contained banned preservatives which are not good for Muslims and also others.

"MAINPP had never appointed companies to issues halal certificates. We plan to take legal action against the four companies," he told reporters here Thursday.

Shabudin said only the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) and the state islamic councils were allowed to issue halal certificates.

He proposed that halal certificates be standardised and issued only by JAKIM to avoid confusion and to prevent abuse.

"This will make monitoring of halal certificates a lot easier and will also encourage more food producers to apply for the certificates."

He urged the public not to be easily duped by halal certificates and logos as some were not issued by JAKIM and state islamic councils.

Penang (Burnama)