About 100 Muslim consumers including bloggers will be feasting on Cadbury chocolate on Sunday afternoon in an attempt to defend the halal status of the product.
The programme themed 'Malaysian Halal Certificate and Cadbury controversy: A perspective', is organised by myKMU together with SuaraTV and Ikatan Aktivis Siber Malaysia (Ikas).
SuaraTV editor Zulkifli Mat Rawi, in a statement said the programme is intended to defend the statements by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom, the Malaysian Department of Islamic Development (Jakim) and Cadbury Malaysia that the latter's chocolate products were halal and contained no pig DNA.
"Hopefully, this effort will restore people's trust and confidence, especially Muslim consumers', towards the halal certificate issued by Jakim and end the polemic that has been plaguing the perception and minds of the society," he said.
On May 23, a batch of Cadbury's Hazelnut Chocolate 175 grams (group I2 200813M01H expiry date Nov 13, 2014) and Almonds Chocolate 175 grams (group I1 221013N01R expiry date Jan 15, 2015) were detected to have porcine (pig DNA) by the Health Ministry.
Jakim subsequently announced that the ministry's findings were inaccurate and assured that both products are halal.
Following the fiasco, the Saudi authorities also recalled some Cadbury chocolate products from their market pending results from laboratory tests to detect porcine.
Meanwhile, renowned Egyptian scholar Sheikh Dr Yusuf Al-Qaradawi issued a statement saying gelatine or DNA derived from pigs can be considered halal if it has undergone a transformation process, according to the Islamic concept 'istihalah'. His view was also supported by former Perlis mufti Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin.
Cadbury also recently tried to win back their consumers' heart and trust via advertisements in major newspapers with the slogan "All is good. Enjoy us again."
Astro Awani
Sat Jun 14 2014

The Cadbury chocolate-eating ceremony will be held at a popular coffee joint in Jalan P. Ramlee during lunchtime tomorrow.

Russia lays out demands for talks with US on Ukraine, sources say
Russia has presented the U.S. with a list of demands for a deal to end its war against Ukraine and reset relations with the US, sources say

Astro launches Max on the Ultra and Ulti Box, bringing more premium entertainment options to Malaysian homes
Astro, Malaysias leading content and entertainment provider, today announced that Max, the premier streaming service from Warner Bros.

Duterte takes responsibility for Philippines drug war, anticipates long ICC battle
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said he takes full responsibility for his administration's "war on drugs"

Canada announces plan to ease Syria sanctions
The Canadian government on Wednesday announced plans to ease sanctions on Syria during what it called a period of transition.

Zii Jia pulls out of Swiss Open due to injury
Malaysia's men's singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia has withdrawn from next week's Swiss Open due to a recurring right ankle injury.

MCMC probes man for uploading fake content on social media
A 47-year-old Malaysian man is being investigated for allegedly uploading fake content that touches on the 3R (religion, race and royalty) on social media.

KPDN calls on public to help report bottled cooking oil shortage
The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has urged the public to be the eyes and ears of the ministry and report shortages of bottled cooking oil in their areas.

ICJ to hold public hearings on Israel's obligations in occupied Palestinian territory
The International Court of Justice will hold hearings next month on Israel's obligations towards Palestinians, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.

Anwar: Sapura Energy's rescue plan excludes former shareholders
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Sapura Energy Bhd's (SEB) former major shareholders are no longer involved in the company's management as part of its restructuring efforts.

Intel names Lip-Bu Tan as new CEO
Intel Corporation (INTC.O) has appointed semiconductor Malaysian-born industry veteran and former board member Lip-Bu Tan as its new CEO.

Ismail Sabri at MACC HQ to give statement
Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob was at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters here today to give his statement

Duterte could face up to 30 years or life imprisonment if convicted by ICC - Malacanang
Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte could face up to 30 years or life imprisonment if convicted of crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court (ICC)

Clarification on the investment in Sapura Energy by MDH
Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) as the existing significant shareholder of SEB.

Floods recede in Beaufort, but residents remain wary of downstream water flow
While floods in Beaufort are receding, residents remain on alert for downstream water flow that could bring floodwaters from inland areas.

Govt to ensure establishment of SEGiM aligns with introduction of Gig Workers Bill
The government intends to ensure that the establishment of the Malaysian Gig Economy Commission (SEGiM) is in line with the introduction of the Gig Workers Bill.

UK steel industry warns of damage as Trump tariffs come into force
US President Donald Trump's tariffs on UK steel "couldn't come at a worse time," the industry has warned as the levy on US imports is introduced, reported PA Media/dpa news.

Penang allocates RM49.45 million for Phase 1 of i-Sejahtera Programme
The Penang government has allocated RM49.45 million for 274,151 recipients under Phase 1 of the i-Sejahtera Programme this year.

PM Anwar calls on all parties to be agents of unity, help unite people of different races
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on all Malaysians to join hands to become agents of unity and assist the MADANI Government in its efforts to unite all Malaysians

Women representation in senior management fall to 36.2 pct in 2025
The Grant Thornton Women in Business Report reveals a concerning decline in the representation of women in senior management positions in Malaysia.

Singapore Airlines prohibits usage, charging of power banks from April 1
Singapore Airlines (SIA) passengers will not be allowed to use power banks or charge them throughout their flight effective April 1.