KUALA LUMPUR – The cabinet meeting yesterday agreed to maintain the existing policy regarding applications for the Malaysia Halal Certification, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.
Zahid, who is also Halal Industry Development Council chairman, said the policy, overseen by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) and State Islamic Religious Councils or State Religious Departments, has been voluntary since its introduction in 1974 and further reinforced by the Trade Descriptions Act 2011.
“The existing policy remains unchanged and is open to any industry prepared to comply with all the requirements, standards and regulations of Malaysia’s halal certification.
“Obtaining the halal certification offers added value to its holders, demonstrating their high level of commitment to maintaining halal certification standards,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Zahid also said that Jakim is urging industry players to apply for the certification, as it assures confidence and draws Muslim customers to dine at their establishments without doubt.
Meanwhile, he said to encourage more industry players, particularly in the micro and small sectors, to apply for the certificate, various stakeholders, including federal, state and private sector agencies that mentor entrepreneurs, are offering a range of incentives and initiatives, including training, guidance and grants to ensure products or services can be certified halal.
He said Jakim has also introduced the Malaysia Halal Certification Express Initiative to expedite the certification process within 30 days.
Zahid said statistics show between January and July this year, 96% of applications through this initiative were successfully processed within the stipulated timeframe.
“This proactive effort serves as an attractive incentive for industry players to apply for the halal certificate,” he said.
He said Jakim, with departments under it, remains committed to enhancing current policies and procedures to improve the management and delivery of halal certification services, adding that this ongoing effort is crucial to maintaining the global credibility of Malaysia’s halal certification system.
He said Jakim will continue to raise awareness about the importance and benefits of the Malaysia halal certification within the food and business industries. – September 19, 2024