"I Swear On Allah" — Hawker Accused Of Using Rice Wine In Claypot Dish Denies Allegations
The Malay-owned food stall owner claimed that, as a Muslim, he is responsible and sincere in doing business.
By Sadho Ram — 12 Sep 2023, 06:09 PM
A popular Malay-owned food stall has found itself embroiled in a controversy over the alleged use of non-halal ingredients in its dishes
Aman's Food Stall, which is located at Restoran Ahmad Muzakin in Sri Petaling, Kuala Lumpur, has been accused of using unheated and uncooked rice wine in its claypot chicken rice in a viral video.
The pork-free rice dish is topped with marinated chicken pieces and salted fish. The dish is popular among its patrons, as there's usually a long queue. In fact, Malay Mail reviewed the dish positively in August.
The video, posted on a Facebook page, showed Ahmad Muzakin Mohd Amir, the stall owner, purportedly adding rice wine to the dish, which was then garnished with additional ingredients before being served.
The 48-year-old owner is now vehemently denying the allegations, even swearing by Allah that he does not use non-halal ingredients
"I swear on Allah that I do not use non-halal ingredients as claimed by people online. This is my dignity, and as a Muslim, I am responsible and sincere in doing business for the sustenance of my family," Harian Metro quoted Ahmad Muzakin as saying earlier today, 12 September.
He explained that the controversy centred around the use of rice wine in his claypot chicken rice dish, which — he claimed — was sesame oil, typically used in Chinese cuisine. However, he admitted that the factory producing the sesame oil did not have a halal certification from religious authorities.
While also admitting that his stall lacked a halal certification from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), Ahmad Muzakin argued that it's the same with many other Muslim-owned shops.
"I do not consider it (not having a halal certificate) a big issue because I am a Muslim, and I understand my responsibilities [...] these two bottles contain sesame oil, and when I use both bottles together, I get double drops of oil without having to pour it multiple times. I acknowledge that the sesame oil factory does not have halal certification, but I am confident that there are no non-halal ingredients in the oil," he said.
Addressing the allegations that he might have tampered with the sesame oil bottles, Ahmad Muzakin pointed out that the bottles remained sealed, with no signs of tampering. He emphasised that the integrity of the packaging was preserved, making it impossible for him to add non-halal ingredients.
Despite facing criticism, insults, and slander on social media, Ahmad Muzakin expressed forgiveness, viewing it as a test of character and faith
The 48-year-old also assured his customers that the chicken used in his dishes are sourced from halal-certified suppliers, reiterating his commitment to serving halal food, reported the Malay daily.
In a bid to further ensure the integrity of his business, Ahmad Muzakin, who holds a valid business licence, stated his intention to apply for a halal certificate from JAKIM and will attend a relevant course this Thursday.
He acknowledged that he had anticipated slander once his business gained widespread recognition. He expressed his gratitude for the support of his wife, Rotiya Ropai, and noted that his ancestry traced back to Indonesia, while his wife hails from Surabaya, although they are both Malaysian citizens.
"I am not saddened or afraid of losing customers because our sustenance is granted by Allah. People have said various things about us, even questioning our origins. I am a Malaysian citizen with a blue IC, but I'm not ashamed to admit my Indonesian heritage, and my wife is originally from Surabaya," he said.
Prior to this, JAKIM, in a statement on Saturday, 9 September, stated they have never issued a halal certificate to the stall operator
JAKIM also advised Muslim consumers to be mindful when patronising food premises and to check its official portal or the Verify Halal app to ascertain whether eateries hold valid halal certification.
