KUALA LUMPUR – Food and beverage operators have been reminded by the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) to ensure their outlets are certified halal if they plan to advertise special set meals or buffets for this coming Ramadan.
This is because advertising such menus to Muslims without halal certification is an offence under the Trade Descriptions Act 2011, Jakim director-general Datuk Hakimah Mohd Yusoff said in a statement on Facebook.
“Jakim is drawing attention to this ahead of Ramadan (so that operators) get their Malaysian Halal Verification Certificate. This recommendation is made in advance so that the parties concerned do not face any problems if they intend to provide Ramadan buffets.
“Anyone advertising and promoting food as halal and for Muslims’ consumption, such as Ramadan buffets, iftar buffets or Ramadan set meals and the like, without possessing the (halal certification), is committing an offence under the act,” Hakimah said.
F&B entrepreneurs planning to offer such meals should thus apply for their certificates as soon as possible, Hakimah added.
Ramadan this year is expected to start on March 10 and last a month before Hari Raya Aidilfitri on April 10.
Hakimah said F&B operators should contact Jakim’s halal management division with their enquiries. – January 5, 2024