MALAYSIA’S Halal Verification Certificate (SPHM) is done on a voluntary basis and there are no regulations requiring that food premise operators and owners obtain it, Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) director-general Mohamad Nordin Ibrahim.

Nordin, in a statement today, said this was in accordance with the Trade Descriptions Act 2011 and Trade Descriptions (Halal Definition) Order 2011.

Nordin was responding to Federal Territory and Selangor Malay Muslim Food Operators’ Association (Permas) president Ayob Abd Majid’s suggestion that Jakim impose a mandatory requirement on restaurant owners and operators to obtain halal certification before starting operations.

“The proposal for mandatory requirement of halal certification for all food premises will require feedback from various parties,” he added.

Meanwhile, Nordin said any corporate body found guilty of trying to mislead consumers with halal status can be fined up to RM5 million, said Nordin, adding this was based on the Trade Descriptions (Halal Definition) Order 2011.

“If an offence is committed by an individual, the convicted party can be fined not more than RM1 million or imprisonment not exceeding three years or both upon conviction,” he said.

He said traders and entrepreneurs should be sensitive enough to develop their businesses by meeting the needs of Muslim and non-Muslim consumers in the country, while the consumer community should choose only premises certified halal.

Nordin also advised all restaurant operators and food product manufacturers to obtain halal certificates from Jakim to ensure food sold were halal as well as enhancing consumers’ confidence. – Bernama, January 12, 2019.