KOTA BARU: Kelantan's halal certification (SPHM) does not apply to businesses that only serve non-Muslims. The certification is required only for businesses that sell food to Muslim customers.
Kelantan State Committee on Local Government, Housing, Health, and Environment chairman Hilmi Abdullah clarified that the SPHM will be enforced only if a non-Muslim-owned business also serves food to Muslim customers.
Hilmi said that the SPHM requirement by the local authority applies solely to premises catering to Muslim customers, and businesses must obtain the certification in order to secure a permanent business license.
"Out data shows that in 2024, 453 premises in Kelantan have been granted the SPHM, with 48 non-Muslim-owned products included. Additionally, 198 premises are operating in Kota Baru," he said.
The SPHM policy, which was first approved by the Kelantan State Executive Council in 2016 and refined in 2020 by the Local Government, Housing, and Health Committee, was not rushed, Hilmi noted.
"Since 2020, owners of seven specific types of business premises in Kelantan have been notified of the decision through their local authorities (PBT). They were encouraged to apply for the SPHM, though it is not mandatory," he added.
Hilmi also added that the Kota Bharu Municipal Council (MPKB) launched the SPHM earlier this year to protect the interests of Kelantan's Muslim majority, which makes up 95 per cent of the population.
The SPHM is part of the effort to promote the halal industry, he said, encouraging more local food and beverage operators, including home-based businesses, to apply for certification to help strengthen the halal sector in the state.
Regarding concerns over the restriction of dishes like Bak Kut Teh, Char Siu, and Siu Yuk (roast pork), raised by Deputy Minister of Communications Teo Nie Ching, Hilmi stated that non-halal products can still be sold at non-Muslim premises.
Earlier it was reported that local authorities cannot mandate halal certification for food and beverage businesses, including for license renewals.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said such actions would overstep the jurisdiction of the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) and conflict with the federal government's position.