KUALA LUMPUR: Despite recent improvements, the perception that obtaining halal certification from the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) is cumbersome persists.
In the latest episode of the Keluar Sekejap podcast with Shahril Hamdan, Khairy Jamaluddin discussed the ongoing challenges surrounding halal certification.
He noted that while the process used to take over 60 days, advancements have significantly shortened this time frame.
"It's difficult to apply, it's expensive.. If it were free and easy, it wouldn't be a problem," Khairy said.
He emphasised, however, that perceptions of a slow and complicated process are outdated.
"From January to June this year, 98 per cent of applications were processed in less than 30 days. That's how far Jakim has come."
Khairy highlighted that Jakim is working to further reduce the processing time to 23 days.
This target was set by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi, who has requested a goal of less than 15 days. "I don't think 15-days is a problem," Khairy added.
Regarding costs, Khairy explained that for multinational companies (MNCs), halal certification costs RM1,000 annually for central kitchens and RM100 per outlet.
For micro-enterprises, the cost is also RM100 per year.
"In terms of expense, it's quite reasonable," he said.
Yesterday, Seputeh member of parliament Teresa Kok clarified her comments on halal certification, saying that she had never opposed the halal certification.
Kok, who is currently being investigated over her comments on the matter, said she was merely responding to the proposal made by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar which would require all food establishments that do not serve pork or alcohol to obtain halal certification.
Kok had said that requiring restaurants and food companies to have halal certification would add operational challenges and burden small businesses.