KUALA LUMPUR: All quarters are urged not to politicise the issue of halal certification or use it to incite racial and religious hatred in the country, Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof said today.
In a statement on social media, he called for a stop to the unproductive disputes and to focus on elevating the country's halal industry globally.
He said this was because halal was central to the lives of Muslims. Mujahid said those sensationalising it did not understand the needs of consumers, who are more concerned with choosing products that are religiously compliant, safe and beneficial for both physical and mental health.
"The demand for halal and toyyiban (halal, clean and safe) is increasing due to Muslims' heightened awareness of Syariah-compliant guidelines for daily life, including food and drink.
"The need for halal has transcended religious boundaries and has become a market requirement, setting standards for safety, cleanliness and health," he said.
The halal certification issue arose after Seputeh member of parliament Teresa Kok reportedly said on social media that halal certification should be voluntary, allowing businesses to make decisions based on market demand rather than being mandated.
She suggested that requiring restaurants and food companies to have halal certification would only add to operational difficulties and burden small businesses.
Mujahid said that Malaysia had initiated halal certification in 1974 and introduced the certificate and logo in 1994 through the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim). He said the need for halal was institutionalised to build consumer trust amidst a market flooded with various food and beverage products and ingredients that fell into the category of 'shubha' (doubtful).
"Subsequently, halal has evolved into a significant market, influenced by supply and demand factors and expanding not only in food and beverages but also in food ingredients, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and logistics," he said.