Perak Islamic Religious Department (JAIPK) Halal Management Unit assistant director, Yusri Abdul Rani said it was found that the slaughterhouse was using packets with a fake halal logo and did not have a halal certificate recognised by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim).

The 3.30 am raid was conducted by 15 personnel from JAIPK and the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism (KPDNKK), he added.

"The inspection found that all the workers involved in the slaughtering process did not have credential certificates and were operating without JAIPK supervision.

"The slaughterhouse also concealed from buyers the truth by showcasing halal slaughtering certificates owned by locals but the poultry was being slaughtered by three foreign nationals from Nepal and Bangladesh which was dubious," he said when contacted by Bernama.

"A Bangladeshi worker informed that he was working at the premises for the past two months and that earlier, the slaughtering was done by a Malay worker," he said.

All the packed chicken were believed to be sent to traders and food sellers around Manjung district and most of them are Malay traders who sell food like satay.

Mr Yusri said they could only warn the owner and manager of the premises as they do not have a halal certificate and hand them over to the ministry or relevant agencies to take appropriate action.

"We advise people especially traders to be cautious when buying chicken at markets and to ensure that poultry suppliers hold a halal certificate so that the slaughter is in accordance with Islamic law and ensures it is is done in hygienic conditions," he said.

Meanwhile, Manjung branch head of KPDNKK, Omar Ismail said the premises was found to be in violation of the Trade Descriptions Act 2011 for using fake Jakim halal logos and that they had also seized 15 packets of chicken displaying the fake halal logo for investigation, adding that action would definitely be taken against the owner.