KUALA LUMPUR: The Cabinet has agreed to maintain the current voluntary halal certification policy.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the existing policy remains in place and is open to any industry that is ready to comply with all the standards set under Malaysia's halal certification.
He said all food operators are encouraged to get halal certification as this gives them access to a bigger market as Muslims can eat there without any worries.
"The Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) presented issues related to Malaysia's Halal certification in the Cabinet meeting today.
"After consideration, the Cabinet agreed to maintain the existing policy, in that applications for the Malaysian Halal Certification (SPHM) carried out by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and the state Islamic Religious Councils /State Islamic Religious Departments are voluntary since its implementation in 1974 and reinforced by the Trade Descriptions Act 2011.
"This existing policy remains and is open to any industry ready to comply with all the requirements, standards, and guidelines of Malaysia's halal certification. Obtaining the SPHM will add value to certificate holders due to their commitment to consistently adhering to the certification standards and guidelines," said Zahid in a statement.
Zahid is also the Halal Industry Development Council chairman.
He added the relevant agencies at the federal, state, and private sector-levels have provided various incentives, such as training, guidance, and grants, to help industries obtain halal certification and encourage them to apply for the SPHM.
"Furthermore, Jakim has introduced the Malaysian Halal Certification Expedited Initiative to speed up the processing of halal certification in 30 days, and statistics show that between January and July 2024, 96 per cent of applications were successfully processed within that 30-day period.
"This proactive effort serves as an attraction for industries to apply for the SPHM," he added.
Zahid said Jakim, the state Islamic Religious Councils and State Islamic Religious Departments are committed to enhancing existing policies and guidelines to improve the management of halal certification and the service delivery system to ensure Malaysia's halal certification remains trusted and a global reference.
Jakim, he said, would continue to raise awareness of the importance and benefits of the Malaysian halal certificate in the food and business industries.
"At the same time, Jakim and these religious authorities will take strict action against individuals or parties attempting to falsify the SPHM to ensure the quality and standards of Malaysia's halal certification are preserved.
"The Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) is committed to further strengthen the management of Malaysia's halal certification for the nation's benefit and welfare," he said.
On Sept 5, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said Jakim is considering the possibility of making halal certification compulsory for restaurants and food establishments that do not serve pork or alcohol.
However, he said, to enforce mandatory halal certification, several Acts and laws would need to be amended, with various agencies involved in ensuring compliance.
The proposal has received several criticisms.
The halal-certification issue was in the spotlight after Jakim confirmed that six popular food and beverage outlets frequented by Muslims, including Johnny's, Black Canyon, Dolly Dim Sum, Mr Dakgalbi, Bungkus Kaw Kaw, and Ayam Penyet Best (with the exception of four outlets), are not halal-certified.