ℹ️ News items are summarised in our own words. Read the full story at the source linked below.
The last stretch of October was dominated by halal enforcement: Jakim confirmed that a viral chicken slaughter site near Pudu Market had no halal certificate, and police seized more than 6.5 tonnes of chicken in Puchong days later. On the lighter side, Lindt opened its first South-East Asian shop in KL, a South African burger brand got its first Malaysian drive-thru, and a Bib Gourmand lala noodle family passed the ladle to the next generation. Here is what you need to know.
Viral Pudu slaughter site had no halal certificate
After a TikTok video showing a questionable way of slaughtering chickens went viral, Jakim and several other agencies inspected the premises near Pudu Market. Jakim said the site was registered to a different entity, not Bhuiyen Sdn Bhd, and that neither the premises nor its chicken carried a Malaysian halal certificate. Kuala Lumpur City Hall had already ordered it shut from 10 October over health violations. (NST, Berita RTM)
6.5 tonnes of chicken seized in Puchong
Police from Bukit Aman's wildlife crime and special investigation unit raided a Puchong warehouse on 29 October and seized about 6,555kg of raw chicken worth an estimated RM85,400. Twelve foreign men were arrested. Investigators believe the chicken, processed without valid halal certification, had been supplied to restaurants, grocers and supermarkets around the Klang Valley. (Bernama)
Lindt opens its first South-East Asian store at TRX
Swiss chocolatier Lindt & Sprüngli has opened its first shop in the region on the Concourse Level of The Exchange TRX, with Valiram Group as its Malaysian partner. Expect a Lindor pick-and-mix wall, soft-serve in chocolate-dipped cones and more than 200 products. Two more KL stores, at Merdeka 118 and Mid Valley Megamall, are expected within a month. (The Star)
Steers gets its first Malaysian drive-thru
South African brands Steers and Debonairs Pizza have opened their second Malaysian outlet in Mutiara Damansara, and the Steers side comes with the country's first drive-thru for the brand. Master licensee MESRA plans to take both names further around Malaysia. (SAYS)
Hai Kah Lang heads for Hangzhou
Malay Mail reported that home-grown seafood noodle chain Hai Kah Lang has been spotted heading to Hangzhou in China. It is a neat reversal at a time when Chinese F&B brands are pouring into Malaysia. (Malay Mail)
A lala noodle family hands over the ladle
Lai Fong Lala Noodles began in 2008 as a stall inside Kedai Kopi Lai Foong on Jalan Tun H S Lee, where it still operates. Founder Cindy Chai's three children now run the cooking and marketing across branches on Jalan Sultan, Damansara Uptown and Genting Highlands. The Jalan Sultan shop has held a Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2023. (The Star)
Festive turkey season starts early at EQ
EQ Kuala Lumpur is taking orders for whole roast turkeys of 6kg to 8kg at RM108 per kg until the end of November. Its Etoile restaurant also has barbecue buffets on 28 and 29 November, from RM168+ per adult. (The Star)
What to watch
Both halal cases are still under investigation, so expect more updates from Jakim and the enforcement agencies. If you buy chicken for a business or a kenduri, ask your supplier for a valid Malaysian halal certificate and check it on Jakim's official channels.
Sources
- Jakim: Chicken slaughter site not registered under Bhuiyen — New Straits Times, 2026-10-21
- Premis sembelihan ayam tular tiada sijil halal — Berita RTM, 2026-10-21
- Over 6.5 Tonnes Of Chicken Seized Over Suspected Halal Violations In Puchong — Bernama, 2026-10-30
- Luxury Swiss chocolate brand Lindt opens first retail outlet in South-East Asia in KL — The Star, 2026-10-28
- Malaysia's First Steers Drive-Thru And Debonairs Pizza Outlet Opens In Mutiara Damansara — SAYS, 2026-10-29
- Malaysian restaurant chain Hai Kah Lang spotted heading to Hangzhou, bucking trend of inbound Chinese F&B brands — Malay Mail, 2026-10-29
- Next generation takes over clam noodle soup business — The Star, 2026-10-22
- Turkey takeaway and buffet for gatherings to remember — The Star, 2026-10-31