JOHOR BARU: Some RM23,035 worth of baking ingredients believed to be displaying an uncertified halal logo have been seized in a joint operation.

       Johor Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo said the operation with the Johor Religious Department was held on Tuesday (March 5) following complaints from the public.

       "We received complaints from the public about a company suspected of using the halal logo on its products without approval from the relevant department.

       "Based on the tip-off, we raided the shop and store of the baking ingredients producing company in the Seri Alam area.

       "Some 33,890 units of baking ingredients, packaging plastics and documents worth RM23,035 were seized in the operation to assist in further investigations," she said in a statement here.

       She said that the case is being investigated under Paragraph 8 of the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking of Halal) Order 2011.

       If convicted, a company could be slapped with fines of up to RM200,000 for the first offence and maximum fines of RM500,000 for each subsequent offence.

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       Meanwhile, individuals convicted could receive fines of up to RM100,000 or a maximum of three years jail term or both for the first offence.

       From the second offence onwards, one could receive a maximum of RM250,000 in fines, up to five years of jail, or both.