Jakim clears Coca-Cola name in Malaysia after questions emerge of Halal status

Jakim has reportedly confirmed that all Coca-Cola products are halal and can be consumed by Muslims in the country. Jakim put an end to the rumours that emerged after a viral screenshot made its rounds in Malaysia claiming that the drink used alcohol as a secret ingredient.

According to Malay daily, Kosmo!, a source at the government agency said that the Coca-Cola ingredients and variations are certified halal and bottlers have met strict conditions with its certificate being up for renewal in 2024.

The contentious screenshot which had many questioning Coca-Cola’s Halal verification, was allegedly taken from U.S.-based Times News Network, which the source was taken from the weekly public radio program and podcast This American Life and alleged that the beverage contains alcohol.

Malaysia is a key market for the beverage manufacturer being in the market since 1936. According to MIDA, in the last 86 years the company’s operations have evolved from the importation of drinks from Singapore, to now Malaysia being a key production hub for domestic consumption and export to the likes of Singapore and Brunei.

The business in Malaysia has also grown from just a single brand Coca-Cola to a much more diverse portfolio offering more than 80 products. MIDA said that the company also benefitted from being in the growing and modern Halal Industrial Park at Bandar Enstek in Nilai.

Most recently, for the Malaysia market, Coca-Cola rolled out its Starshine drink with a unique packaging design featuring stars against a backdrop of galaxy pink bodied cans. The launch of the Starshine drink will also be supported by a digital-first marketing campaign, including a partnership with global popstar, Ava Max.

According to Teejae Sonza, Coca-Cola group marketing director for Coca-Cola ASEAN and South Pacific, the Starshine drink, takes inspiration from the partnership between Coca-Cola and NASA 35 years ago, when the brand became one of the first drinks to travel to space. The limited-edition, space-inspired flavoured Coke drink with zero sugar was first launched in the US in March this year. Coca-Cola Starshine, also known as Coca-Cola Starlight in some areas, is the first product to launch under Coca-Cola Creations, the brand's new global innovation platform. The drink takes on a reddish hue colour and its taste includes additional notes "reminiscent of stargazing around a campfire that evokes the feeling of a journey to space", said the brand. 

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