JOHOR BARU: The Johor Islamic Religious Council will investigate concerns over products resembling alcoholic beverages but carrying foreign halal certification.

Johor Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid said the product was discovered during an inspection of food outlets at Pandan wholesale market here on Monday (March 17).

“I am unsure which authority issued these halal logos, but I will instruct the relevant department to verify their authenticity.

“This will involve coordination with the Halal Department, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, and local councils to determine whether these products are legally distributed in Johor,” he told reporters.

Earlier, during the inspection, about 20 individuals believed to be foreigners were caught openly eating at a food stall near the market.

“We were initially pleased when inspections at two locations found no violations. However, at the third location, we discovered about 20 foreigners openly eating at a food stall.

“Regardless of whether they are locals or foreigners, as long as they are Muslims, the Johor Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment allows for legal action against them.

“They were not only buying food but also consuming it openly. Some were still eating and drinking even as we arrived,” he said.

He also warned food sellers that selling or purchasing food for consumption during daylight hours in Ramadan is an offence under Section 15 of the Johor Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment, which carries a fine of up to RM1,000 or six months' imprisonment upon conviction.

Mohd Fared added that he was relieved no local Muslims were caught eating in public, attributing this to the success of the state’s Semarak Ramadan awareness campaign.