PUTRAJAYA: A detailed study will be conducted once the cabinet approves the report which addresses the proposal to mandate halal certification for food businesses, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Moktar said.
He said the report on the proposal is nearly complete and is scheduled to be presented at the cabinet meeting this Wednesday.
"If the cabinet agrees with (the report on)the proposal, we will initiate a detailed study.
"This study will include consultation sessions and involve all stakeholders," Na'im told reporters attending the 2024 National-level Maulidur Rasul Celebration here today.
Na'im had previously announced that the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) is considering making halal certification compulsory for restaurants and food establishments that do not serve pork or alcohol.
Currently, obtaining halal certification is optional for food business operators.
It was reported last week that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed Na'im to prepare a comprehensive report on the proposal.
Government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil said the report would be presented at the Cabinet meeting this week.
Meanwhile, yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi reminded non-Muslims not to be forced to apply for halal certifications.