In a Berita Harian report, Jamali also called for stricter enforcement measures to ensure businesses are fully aware of the importance of the halal logo issued by the Islamic development department (Jakim).

He was commenting on the controversy over the halal logo allegedly being misused on pre-packed chicken ham and cheese sandwiches sold on Universiti Malaya’s campus.

“It (increasing the fine) may be one of the solutions. We leave it to Jakim and the domestic trade and cost of living ministry to study the matter,” he said.

“If there is increasing misuse of the halal logo, why not raise the fines for it?”

Only Jakim and state Islamic religious councils are permitted to issue halal certification in Malaysia.

The Trade Description (Certification and Marking of Halal) Order 2011 provides a fine of up to RM200,000 if companies are found guilty of misusing the halal logo. Companies face a fine of up to RM500,000 for every subsequent offence.

Individuals face a maximum fine of RM100,000, or imprisonment for up to three years, or both, if found guilty of misusing the halal logo. They face a fine of up to RM250,000, up to five years’ jail, or both, if found guilty for every subsequent offence.

On Monday, KK Mart said it had suspended all business dealings with the supplier of the pre-packed sandwiches sold at one of its outlets at Universiti Malaya after concerns were raised about the use of the halal logo on its packaging.

Jakim has confirmed that the sandwiches in question, along with the company manufacturing it, were not halal certified.

During its raid on the factory last Friday, the domestic trade and cost of living ministry found that the halal logo on the packaging was from a certification issued to another company, which was no longer operating and had sold its business to the firm that was raided.