Zahid said he works closely with the Islamic development department (Jakim) and has advised them to ensure cases involving religious sensitivities are handled carefully.

“I hope this issue will not be further escalated (as) the retail network involved has withdrawn the product,” he said.

“This may have been a mistake, so I hope it serves as a valuable lesson,” he said during a press conference after attending an event here today.

Zahid added that the issue should be left to the relevant authorities such as Jakim, the domestic trade and cost of living ministry, and the police to handle.

Jakim has confirmed that the meat used in the sandwiches was certified halal but the sandwiches, along with the company producing them, were not halal-certified.

Previously, Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh had urged the police and relevant agencies to take action after UM shut down two KK Mart concept stores on campus pending investigations.

He said “old wounds” involving the sale of socks bearing the word “Allah” at KK Mart convenience stores last year had yet to heal.

His comments drew sharp criticism from MCA vice-president Wee Jeck Seng, who urged Akmal to avoid politicising the issue.

DAP Youth chief Woo Kah Leong also blamed Akmal for sensationalising the issue by making it seem as if no action had been taken on the matter when in fact, UM had ordered the immediate closure of the two stores.

On Tuesday, DAP vice-chairman Nga Kor Ming waded into the controversy, accusing certain quarters of making a fuss on the matter and saying ham simply referred to meat that had been cured.

Nga, who is also housing and local government minister, said turkey ham and chicken ham were sold openly in the country and they were “perfect for consumption”.

In a social media post, he said: “To make an issue out of it simply shows who is the real idiot.”