KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian importer of medjool dates from Israel has apologised over its actions and has recalled the products with immediate effect.
Matahari Sdn Bhd said it made a "mistake" when it proceeded to distribute the product locally. It said the dates had arrived together with a consignment of organic food which arrived from Greece.
The company said it never intentionally conducted business with Israel and did not support the state of Israel as it adheres to Malaysian law.
"In June 2022, we received a shipment of mixed food, including dates from our suppliers in Greece.
"Being an importer, wholesaler, and distributor of organic and natural products, it is part of our procedure to label all our products with details including origin to ensure all products meet the requirements for organic certification.
"The certificate of analysis provided by our supplier listed the dates as sourced from Israel/Occupied Palestinian Areas.
"Ignorantly and, in hindsight, without being sensitive to the issue, we then proceeded to labeling the product, including listing Israel as origin," it said.
The company said it realised the mistake and its implication following the backlash it received when the issue went viral on social media.
"We were contacted for comment this Monday, March 11, 2024. We immediately contacted our resellers and recalled the product.
"We share the concerns of our fellow Malaysians, particularly those of the Muslim communities, and would like to affirm that we do not support Israel in any way."
It said it remained transparent and accountable in its business affairs and would fully cooperate with the Customs Department in the case.
Yesterday, the Customs Department seized 73 packs of 'Organic Jumbo Medjool Dates' from Israel were seized by the Customs Department in a raid at a warehouse in Port Klang.
Its deputy director-general (enforcement and compliance) Datuk Sazali Mohamad said the 14.6 kg pack was valued at RM678.
A video alleging the existence of a premises suspected to be selling dates from Israel had recently hone viral.
Matahari said it was reviewing its supply chain processes and intended to adopt recommendations it received from authorities following the case.
It said since it was established in 2006, the company complied with all relevant regulations and ethical business practices to ensure traceability of its products.