KUALA LUMPUR: Seputeh member of parliament Teresa Kok is considering legal action against Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh following the Umno Youth Chief's retort to DAP on the halal certification issue.

Kok said she is seeking legal advice on the matter from her team of lawyers.

"I will discuss this further with my lawyers after this," she told reporters after providing a statement at Bukit Aman today.

Previously, Dr Akmal criticised Kok's stance that mandatory halal certification for restaurants and food companies only burdens traders.

Dr Akmal reportedly said that obtaining halal certification from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) involves not just restrictions on alcohol and pork but also guidelines on food preparation and sourcing.

"I want to clarify... obtaining a halal certificate used to take months. Today, we have shortened it to just 23 days.

"So, what's your issue with this halal certification? If you don't like it, it doesn't concern you," Dr Akmal said in a TikTok video last Saturday.

Kok, who is DAP vice-chairman had said the requirement could burden small businesses, restrict consumer freedom, and potentially clash with Malaysia's cultural diversity.

On Sunday, police opened an investigation paper against Kok over her statement on the issue.

Last Thursday, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar announced that Jakim is reviewing a proposal to require halal certification for restaurants and food companies.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that Kok's comments on halal certification did not reflect the position of Pakatan Harapan (PH).

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/1104057/halal-certification-issue-kok-considers-legal-action-against-dr-akmal