Malaysia's Department of Islamic Development revoked the halal certification of a biscuit factory in early April 2026, but it was not Hup Seng, a popular local brand of cream crackers, as some social media posts claimed. Instead, the company that got its halal status withdrawn has a similar name -- Tian Hup Seng Biscuit Factory, known for producing traditional pastries. According to a government site, Hup Seng still retains its certification and the company released a statement calling the claim "inaccurate and misleading".

"This factory has been confirmed by JAKIM (Malaysia's Department of Islamic Development) to have violated halal status by using brushes made from pig's hair," says the Malay-language text embedded into an image of Hup Seng's cream crackers shared on Facebook on April 5.

"If you have bought or kept any at home, please throw them away or give them to non-Muslims."

About two-thirds of Malaysia's 34 million population are Muslims who must observe halal dietary standards, which prohibit pork, alcohol and other meat that has not been slaughtered according to Islamic rites (archived link).

Concern over halal certification has frequently stirred debate in the country, often with accusations directed at non‑Muslim companies.

AFP has previously debunked similar claims involving a stock cube brand, cooking oil, sausages, beverage producers, and the international coffee chain Starbucks.

JAKIM announced on April 4 that halal certification was revoked for a coffee...

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