Last year, Malaysians were shocked to discover that a restaurant frequented by both Muslim and non-Muslim customers, Ahmad Muzakin Restaurant, had allegedly used non-halal ingredients despite claiming to serve halal food. The restaurant, previously popular for its claypot rice dishes, was reportedly using rice wine in its cooking, prompting swift action from JAKIM, which closed the establishment.
Recently, the controversy surrounding the restaurant resurfaced after a TikTok post by the user @ezlokal.food went viral, showing an employee at the restaurant explaining their side of the story. In the video, the worker, identified as the owner’s wife, attempts to clarify what she claims are misunderstandings and false accusations that led to the restaurant’s closure. She asserts that all ingredients used in their cooking are halal, although the restaurant has not yet obtained official halal certification.
Throughout the video, the owner’s wife demonstrates the cooking process for their claypot rice, showing viewers each ingredient and emphasising the absence of any non-halal ingredients. She mentions her long history in the food industry, explaining that she has worked under a Chinese boss for over 30 years, from whom she initially learned the claypot rice recipe. Since then, she and her husband have adapted and modified the recipe, creating a unique dish that, according to her, respects halal requirements.
During the video, she also showed photographs of JAKIM officials who had visited the restaurant in the past, noting that these officials had tasted the claypot rice firsthand. Addressing the ongoing suspicions, she makes a heartfelt statement in another video: “If I have committed a sin, only God knows,” suggesting that she and her husband have done their utmost to uphold halal principles as best they can. She also explained that they source ingredients from different regions in Malaysia to ensure the authenticity and quality of their claypot duck and chicken rice.
Despite her explanations, the comments section on TikTok reflects mixed reactions. Some users remain sceptical, questioning why the restaurant would use two bottles of sesame oil instead of one, while others believe that any food establishment operated by Indonesian nationals requires more rigorous scrutiny. A few commenters giving their opinions on why the restaurant was not halal, while others asked why the restaurant had not applied for halal certification sooner to avoid such issues. On the other hand, some viewers express sympathy and support for the owner’s wife, commending her honesty and dedication to her customers.
While it is admirable for restaurant owners to work diligently and uphold integrity, this case underscores the importance for restaurant owners who cater to Muslim patrons to pursue certification to meet their customers’ expectations and uphold the religious values associated with halal food. For some, halal certification serves as a reassuring symbol of trust and reliability; for others, it is a non-negotiable requirement.
You can watch the viral videos here:
@ezlokal.food Patutlah viral! Memang sedap. The best claypot so far. Lamb tu favourite #ahmadmuzakin #claypot #halalfood #foodies #kIfoodie #streetfood #fyp #viralvideos
@ezlokal.food Replying to @Aki Begitu kenyataan mereka. #claypot #restoranahmadmuzakin #foodies #kIfoodie #streetfood #fyp #viralvideos #beritatiktok
Sakinah contributed to this article.
