Jakim considers mandatory halal certification for restaurants

THE Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) is exploring a proposal that would require halal certification for restaurants and food businesses that do not serve pork or alcohol.

Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar (picture) said currently, acquiring halal certification is optional for restaurant operators and food industry owners.

“At present, there are no laws requiring restaurant operators or food companies to obtain halal certification.

“To mandate that all (restaurants) have halal certification, several acts or laws will need to be amended. Many agencies will need to be involved in enforcing this,” he told a press conference yesterday.

Mohd Na’im suggested the Muslim community to be proactive in verifying halal status of restaurants through platforms like the Halal Malaysia Portal, thereby increasing consumer awareness and pressure on operators.

On Sept 4, Jakim confirmed that five popular restaurant chains in Malaysia do not have halal-issued certification, following an inquiry through its Public Complaint Management System.

“According to the Jakim MYeHALAL system, Johnny’s Restaurant, Black Canyon, Dolly Dim Sum, Mr Dakgalbi and Bungkus Kaw Kaw do not hold Malaysian Halal Certification.

“Therefore, the response provided by this department was generated through the Public Complaint Management System,” it said in its Facebook post.

The Halal Malaysia Portal also revealed that the Ayam Penyet Best restaurant chain only has four outlets with legitimate Malaysian Halal Certification.

To obtain a halal certificate, several processes must be completed, including submitting the halal certificate application to Jakim, having one’s premises inspected and having the halal certificate approved. — TMR