SET up a Government-level task force to investigate allegations of impropriety by restaurants instead of leaving it open to false claims.
Speaking to FocusM, Consumer Association of Subang & Shah Alam (Cassa) president Datuk Jacob George said such a move would allow all parties – both the accuser and accused – to have a proper channel to address the claims made.
“Right now, anyone can throw an allegation against anyone without accountability,” he said.
Last week, popular local restaurant chain, OldTown White Coffee was rocked by accusations, on social media that it was serving pork in its trademark curry noodles dish.
The accusation led to the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) conducing a raid on one of its premises in Subang, which found no evidence of lard in any of its food.
OldTown F&B Halal committee chairman Datuk Ahmed Tasir told FocusM that the establishment had since lodged a report with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) over the matter.
“We would like to urge the public to stop the spread of this falsehood,” Tasir was reported saying, adding his restaurant chain had been certified halal since 2010.
George, a veteran consumer advocate, said despite being vindicated from the vicious rumour, the restaurant chain suffered serious damage to its reputation due to irresponsible quarters.
“This is not the first time a restaurant was accused of serving pork on social media. I personally handled three cases in the past but the allegations were later proven to be false.
“The worse part was no action was taken against the accuser and the latter did not even apologise,” he said.
On why such cases continue to happen, George alleged that some of these individuals do this to squeeze money from targeted businesses.
“They demand money from the business establishment and if the latter refuses, they will use the social media to make such attacks.
“These unruly people usually use race and religious tactics to scare certain communities away from the targeted restaurants,” he said.
Therefore, George urged the Government to set up the task force immediately as many businesses are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and they cannot afford to be burdened by false accusations.
“My suggestion is not something new. I have been pushing the Government for it for the last decade.
“Cassa has been doing this every time we have a meeting with the Government and during the National Consumerism Council meetings but nothing has come up so far,” he said.
On the task force, George said both the accused and the accuser will be given fair treatment and it should investigate without fear or favour.
He added that if the business operator was found guilty after a probe, then the Government should throw the book at them.
“However, if the accuser is proven wrong, the individual or group must be compelled to tender an open apology or risk legal action taken against them,” George remarked.
Touching on the halal certification, the consumer activist urged the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) to provide clear guidelines to ease businesses’ application process.
“Jakim should also include cleanliness, hygiene, proper food handling and other dining etiquette in its requirements.
“They should also raise awareness among the public, especially Muslims, on what they can consume or otherwise in non-Muslim restaurants.
“Right now, many have spread rumours against non-Muslim restaurant operators that Muslims don’t even want to have a drink there. We must move away from all this through education,” added George. – Nov 16, 2020
