This fact-check investigates a social media claim about Israeli dates being sold in Malaysia. From tricky labeling to social media uproar, follow our team member, Paveethra Gurusamy, as she uncovers the truth behind this surprising find.
Scrolling through social media during Ramadan, a post caught my eye. It claimed Israeli dates were being sold on Malaysian shelves. This news sparked concern – how could dates potentially linked to Israel end up here, considering Malaysia’s stance on the conflict?
Malaysia, like many Muslim-majority countries, opposes Israeli policies. The discovery of potentially Israeli-sourced dates raised questions about product origin and ethical sourcing practices.
Fact check!
I entered specific keywords like “Organic Jumbo Medjool Dates from Israel in Malaysia” and filtered results for reputable news sources. Here’s what I discovered:
Timelines of events
- 12th March: AlHijrah News, a Malaysian news program, reported on social media about dates from Israel being sold in the country.
The full news uploaded on AlHijrah News on YouTube (from minute 10.43)
- 13th March: News agencies reported the Malaysian customs department seizing 73 packs of “Organic Jumbo Medjool Dates” following a social media video highlighting their presence. News outlets like Berita Harian and The Star confirmed the raid.
Watch the full video by NST Online here
- 14th March: Public concern grew on social media platforms, with users expressing their disapproval.
- 15th March: MH Food Organic, the importer named in the allegation, issued a media statement. They acknowledged the dates originated from Israel but were labeled “Product of Greece” due to organic certification requirements. The statement also confirmed the withdrawal of the product from the market and an apology for the oversight.
Conclusion
Investigations confirm the initial social media post about Israeli dates being present in Malaysia was Accurate (Benar). The importer’s media statement provided further context on the labeling discrepancy. This incident highlights the importance of verifying product sources and the role of responsible consumer awareness.
Citizen Journalism in YOU
The rise of social media empowers individuals to raise concerns about product origin and ethical sourcing. If you encounter similar issues, consider filing a complaint with the appropriate authorities. Remember, responsible online behavior and fact-checking information from credible sources are crucial in today’s information age.
Cover image and graphics by Raxell Neoman, story written by Paveethra Gurusamy and edited by Hazwany Jamaluddin.