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By Mihar Dias January 2025
The vandalism of a KK Mart outlet at Universiti Malaya with red paint is nothing short of appalling. https://newswav.com/A2501_Uvwxsg?s=A_iq6RBoc&language=en
While some may attempt to tie this act of aggression to the recent “ham and cheese sandwich” controversy, there is no justification—none—for such behaviour.
What should have been a minor misunderstanding about halal certification has spiraled into an overblown fiasco, culminating in an act of vandalism that is as senseless as it is cowardly.
Let’s dissect the controversy: KK Mart sold sandwiches supplied by Shake and Bake Café, which affixed a halal logo without the necessary certification. https://newswav.com/A2501_Uvwxsg?s=A_iq6RBoc&language=en
Was this a serious oversight? Absolutely. But was it a malicious or deliberate act? Evidence suggests otherwise. Shake and Bake Café admitted its mistake, and KK Mart pledged to address the issue. The situation called for clarity and accountability—not pitchforks and paint cans. https://newswav.com/A2501_Uvwxsg?s=A_iq6RBoc&language=en
The attack at Kompleks Perdana Siswa raises pressing questions about how we handle grievances in this country. If every perceived slight or controversy ends with a public tantrum—whether on social media or campus walls—what does that say about us as a society?
Worse still, this escalation of outrage endangers not only businesses like KK Mart but also the spirit of rational discourse and mutual respect.
Umany president Lim Jing Jet rightly condemned the incident, emphasising the need for campus safety and calling for a transparent investigation. https://newswav.com/A2501_Uvwxsg?s=A_iq6RBoc&language=en
But the problem extends beyond one vandalized shop or one university campus. It speaks to a broader issue of misplaced priorities and performative outrage.
To those who feel genuinely aggrieved, there are better channels to express your concerns—write to the company, organise a peaceful dialogue, or file a formal complaint.
Resorting to vandalism only undermines your cause, alienates potential allies, and reflects poorly on the very values you purport to defend.
In the grand scheme of things, this “ham and cheese sandwich” debacle was much ado about nothing. The real scandal lies not in a mislabelled sandwich but in the unbridled, disproportionate reaction it provoked.
If we cannot find more constructive ways to address our grievances, then perhaps the only thing we’re truly lacking isn’t halal certification, but common sense.
Mihar Dias is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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