CYBERJAYA: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) and the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) should consider raising fines for the misuse of halal logos if such offences become increasingly common, said a religious official.
Deputy Mufti of the Federal Territories, Jamali Mohd Adnan, said there is a need for stronger enforcement to prevent traders from disregarding the halal logos issued by Jakim, which are essential references for Muslims seeking halal products.
"Increasing the fine may be one of the solutions, and we leave it to KPDN and Jakim to study. If the misuse of halal labels is on the rise, why not increase the fine rates?" he was quoted by Berita Harian during the Halal Certification Celebration for Ayam Gepuk Pak Gembus yesterday.
Earlier, the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) said the incidents of halal logo misuse reveal significant weaknesses in the Malaysian Halal Certification (SPHM) that allow for manipulation.
Fomca treasurer-general Nur Asyikin Aminuddin said the relatively low penalties and lax enforcement may contribute to the escalation of these incidents.
Her comments followed reports of a 'ham and cheese' sandwich sold at a convenience store at Universiti Malaya (UM), which bore a halal logo. Jakim later confirmed that the product lacked the necessary SPHM, and the manufacturing company was not a holder of SPHM.
Under the Trade Descriptions Act (Halal Certification and Marking) 2011, companies found guilty of misusing halal logos face fines of up to RM200,000, with repeat offenders liable for penalties of up to RM500,000.
Jamali said tackling the misuse of halal logos requires effective measures, and Jakim has committed to taking strict action on the matter.
He urged companies, particularly in the food and beverage (F&B) sector that have not yet obtained halal certification, to do so. Those already certified, he cautioned, should not take their certification lightly.
"There are individuals who have obtained halal certification but take it for granted, yet we will continue to monitor.
"We also impose conditions that companies obtaining halal certification must have a halal committee within their organisations, halal executives, and so on, to ensure that the quality of halal can be maintained," he said.