The long-awaited study on halal certification is nearly finalized and will be presented this coming Wednesday, announced Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs). This development brings Malaysia closer to a significant policy shift that could see halal certification becoming mandatory for all food establishments.
Speaking to the media at the National Maulidur Rasul Celebration 2024/1446H today, Datuk Mohd Na'im stated that his team has drafted a proposal aimed at making halal certification a compulsory requirement for food premises. The draft will be submitted for discussion at the upcoming Cabinet meeting.
"One of the main points in this proposal is the plan to make halal certification mandatory," said the minister. He noted that the transition to mandatory certification may be a lengthy process, given that halal certification is currently voluntary for businesses in Malaysia.
"Right now, the halal certification system in the country is optional. However, there has been growing concern among Muslims, especially in regard to the authenticity of halal practices in various food outlets. This anxiety has prompted us to seriously consider making the certification compulsory," Datuk Mohd Na’im explained.
The minister emphasized that if the initial proposal is accepted, the next step would be a series of engagement sessions spearheaded by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim). These discussions will involve all stakeholders, including food industry players and state-level representatives, as religious matters in Malaysia often require consultations with various state authorities.
Should the Cabinet give the green light to this proposal, Datuk Mohd Na’im revealed that further detailed studies would follow. "We will call for a comprehensive engagement with relevant associations, restaurant operators, and other stakeholders to ensure that every angle is considered," he said.
The consultations with stakeholders will include various parties involved in the food industry as well as feedback from consumer groups, religious bodies, and other organizations. After conducting these studies and gathering input from all parties, the government will submit a final proposal to the Council of Ministers.
"In addition to the proposal for the Cabinet, we will also prepare paperwork for the Muzakarah Committee of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI). Both the Cabinet and the MKI will play crucial roles in deciding whether to make halal certification mandatory," Datuk Mohd Na’im stated.
This issue has been given considerable urgency following instructions from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who tasked the religious affairs minister with conducting a thorough investigation and producing a comprehensive report on the halal certification matter.
The halal certification system in Malaysia is internationally recognized, and Jakim's certification is seen as a gold standard across various markets. However, as more businesses enter the food and beverage industry, there has been increasing pressure to streamline and enforce halal certification standards to protect Muslim consumers' rights.
If the government moves forward with the proposal, this could be a landmark decision for Malaysia, potentially making it the first country in the region to enforce mandatory halal certification for all food premises. The issue is not without challenges, but it underscores the government's commitment to addressing religious concerns while supporting a transparent and trustworthy halal food system in the country.
With the completion of the study and presentation to the Cabinet this Wednesday, Malaysians are now awaiting further announcements that will determine the future of halal certification in the country.
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