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Malaysia Cracks Down on Halal Certificate Compliance
PUTRAJAYA, May 30 - In a determined bid to ensure that businesses uphold the halal standards as set out by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim), the department, in partnership with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), is intensifying efforts to monitor and enforce compliance among halal certificate holders nationwide.
Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee, Jakim's director-general, stated that the aim is to ensure all businesses fully comply with the conditions established under their certification. He added that Jakim collaborates closely with KPDN, as the authority under the Trade Descriptions Act and the Trade Descriptions Order (Halal Definition) 2011 falls under its jurisdiction.
Jakim enforces stringent guidelines to maintain the integrity of halal certification, covering various aspects such as equipment, living arrangements for workers, prohibition and control of non-halal items, application, and audit processes. Businesses, which include food premises and other outlets seeking certification, must ensure all products, processes, and environments adhere to Islamic law.
Among the key specifications, equipment must be free from impurity, arranged neatly and tidily, and shared with no hazardous materials. Living arrangements for workers must also comply with strict conditions to prevent any potential contamination or mixing with non-halal materials.
When asked about recently withdrawing the halal certificate issued to two hotels in Banda Hilir, Melaka following alcohol-related events, Sirajuddin said Jakim views such incidents seriously and would never compromise on misuse of halal certificates in the country.
In the event of non-compliance, businesses risk losing their halal certificate, facing legal action, fines, and loss of access to the market. To ensure continuous improvement, Jakim remains committed to enhancing and streamlining application and approval processes for halal certificates, focusing on expediting the process without compromising on standards.
With the advancement of technology, Malaysia has launched the MYeHALAL platform, enabling fully digital halal certification as of May 5, 2025, streamlining the application and approval process to better serve businesses and the public while upholding the integrity of halal certification.
These measures reinforce Malaysia's commitment to maintaining high standards of halal integrity and consumer trust, underscoring its position as a leader in the global halal market.
- In addition to the crackdown on halal certificate compliance, Malaysia is also keen on ensuring that the nation's general news, politics, and business sectors adhere to the same level of integrity, working hand-in-hand with the relevant authorities to enforce standards and regulations.
- Meanwhile, Malaysia's Ministry of Communications and Multimedia, being the authority in media and the Internet, is collaborating closely with Jakim to monitor online platforms for instances of halal certification misuse, ensuring that the digital landscape maintains the same level of halal integrity as physical businesses.
