KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 ― The Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia (PPIM) has urged the authorities to take action against a restaurant for naming a pork burger “P. Ramly”, claiming it confused the public.
Malay daily Berita Harian reported today PPIM head Datuk Nadzim Johan as saying that the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry (KPDNKK) should take action because the restaurant’s actions in purportedly “confusing” consumers were an offence.
“According to the Consumer Protection Act 1999, action can be taken against businesses who give a confusing picture about their goods or services,” Nadzim was quoted saying.
The poster of the “P. Ramly” burger placed in front of the restaurant at a shopping centre in Damansara, as shown in the Berita Harian report, however, clearly states that the dish has pork.
“Introducing P. Ramly ― juicy pork patty wrapped in an omelette, fresh lettuce, pickled onions, Thousand Island dressing, chilli sauce & mayonnaise,” reads the poster.
A restaurant worker was also reported telling Berita Harian that the “P” in the name referred to “pork”.
However, the newspaper reported two women who claimed that the use of the name “P. Ramly” was confusing, with one of them saying that it appeared to be disrespecting the late artiste Tan Sri P. Ramlee.
“Even though the spelling is different, but it sounds almost the same. P. Ramlee is a big name in this country,” shopper Nur Alia Abdullah Tahir, 21, was quoted saying.
Executive Nurhafeezah Che Haludin, 20, reportedly claimed she almost bought the burger because of the poster.
“The advertisement was placed where people usually walk, as if they want to attract the attention of all consumers, including Muslims. This causes confusion,” she was quoted saying.
The report came after a brouhaha over the “pretzel dog” name by US pretzel chain Auntie Anne’s for its hot dogs here that were purportedly one of the reasons its application for halal certification failed. http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/consumer-group-demands-action-over-pork-burger-named-p.-ramly