No evidence of adulterated mutton

What say you on the issue below?

MALACCA: The state Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry’s enforcement unit has refuted the allegation that some unscrupulous butchers and traders in Malacca are adulterating imported mutton with beef.

The unit’s enforcement chief Jamil Buang said that officers had found no evidence of adulteration during checks at 14 main trading outlets including hypermarkets and wet markets throughout three districts in Malacca.

“The checks were conducted unannounced on the instructions of our minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob following allegations that such unscrupulous sales were purportedly rampant due to the rising cost of imported mutton,” he said here recently.

All clear: Authorities have found no evidence of adulterated mutton mixed with beef at the Malacca market.

He said the checks were conducted jointly with Malacca Veterinary Department and simultaneously covered Melaka Tengah, Jasin and Alor Gajah.

“Hindus consider cows to be sacred animals and consuming beef is considered sacrilege, hence, we acted on the allegations at once due to the sensitivity of the issue. Apart from the religious context, we also feel that it would not be right for consumers to be fleeced in such manner,” he said.

Jamil said the checks will be conducted continuously until Depaavali is over and asked consumers to report such occurrences to his officers at once.

He said those found to have adulterated meat could face action under Trade Description Act 1972.

A trader at the Jasin wet market who requested anonymity said he has had a hard time convincing customers that imported mutton was pure ever since the allegations surfaced.

“I have to relentlessly convince them that the mutton sold at my stall is not mixed with other meat.

“Furthermore, Buddhists also refrain from consuming beef and if consumers stop eating mutton altogether for fear that it is adulterated then this will affect my sales,” the trader said.

Consumer B.Raj Kumar Chanda, 42, said he supported the move to check on the purity of mutton.

“Not all traders or butchers sell adulterated meat, but the prompt action by the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry will help to weed out unethical ones,” he added.