COVER STORY 09
January-February . 2025 | @ Halal
COVER STORY 09
“ These technological advancements align with the National Halal Policy ’ s focus on technology and innovation . The National Halal Policy 2035 and the National Halal Action Plan 2025- 2030 further emphasise incorporating new technologies like AI and blockchain into the halal industry .” expediting the certification timeline .”
An AI-powered mobile app is also in the works . This AI-powered tool will enable users to check a product ’ s halal status and receive instant verification based on JAKIM ’ s database .
“ We hope to have this application available to consumers within the next two months ,” told Sirajuddin .
Alongside the Ministry of Science , Technology , and Innovation ( MOSTI ), JAKIM is exploring the use of blockchain technology . This initiative is aimed at enhancing traceability , transparency , and authentication in the halal meat supply chain .
“ These technological advancements align with the National Halal Policy ’ s focus on technology and innovation . The National Halal Policy 2035 and the National Halal Action Plan 2025-2030 further emphasise incorporating new technologies like AI and blockchain into the halal industry ,” noted Sirajuddin .
15-DAY TARGET
Over the years , JAKIM has progressively reduced the halal certification process timeline , with the latest trial targeting 15 days .
Changes on the way
Previously , obtaining a halal certification could take up to 60 days or more . However , with the introduction of the Malaysian Halal Certification Immediate Initiative ( ISPHM ) 2.0 in 2023 , JAKIM has reduced processing times , and simplified the halal certification process .
Following the success of ISPHM 2.0 , today , 77 per cent of applications are processed within 30 days .
To further reduce the halal certification process to 15 days , JAKIM is adopting a more centralised and digital approach :
• MYeHALAL 2.0 System : This system is announced in the 2025 Budget by Malaysian Prime Minister Dato ’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim . This upgraded system aims to reduce processing time from 30 days to between 15 and 23 days .
• Myhalal Ingredients Database : This system eliminates redundant verification steps . Businesses can select pre-approved ingredients from an extensive database . Since only halal-certified ingredients are listed in Myhalal Ingredients , it speeds up application processing times .
• Mobile Auditing Technology : The introduction of mobile auditing solutions
enables auditors to conduct real-time site audits and submit reports on-site , eliminating delays caused by manual data entry . “ With these enhancements in place , we are confident about achieving our 15-day target for halal certification ,” stated Sirajuddin .
JAKIM also aims to expedite halal certification approvals by reducing delays caused by insufficient auditing capacity . In support of this , the government has allocated funding in the 2025 budget for 100 additional halal auditors .
These new auditors , whose recruitment is expected to be completed by March or April 2025 , will be deployed to the state religious authorities , addressing the lack of auditors at the state level .
Despite Malaysia ’ s proactive measures , some industry players still perceive halal certification as a cumbersome and costly process . Programmes like HOT are designed to address this by providing education and support .
Sirajuddin highlighted the affordability of halal certification : “ The fee is only RM100 per year . So why do some businesses still hold onto the misconception that halal certification is expensive ?”
He reiterated that halal certification is a strategic investment , not red tape .
“ If your product is halal-certified , you can reach global markets and achieve your business targets .”
JAKIM continues to advocate for greater industry participation , reinforcing the message that halal certification is a gateway to growth , not a regression . –
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THE MALAYSIAN Islamic Development Department ’ s ( JAKIM ) 2025 initiatives , under the guidance of JAKIM Director- General Dato ’ Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee , are aimed at improving efficiency , transparency , and responsiveness in the halal certification process .
A key area of improvement is the certification management procedures , which is a joint effort between JAKIM and the State Islamic Departments .
As part of this initiative , JAKIM is implementing a cross-auditing system , which introduces an internal review mechanism through which different authorities audit each other ’ s work .
With multiple levels of oversight , the certification process becomes more transparent , standardised , and reliable . Additionally , the strengthened cooperation between federal and state authorities will further align procedures with industry needs .
Moreover , JAKIM is looking into minimising administrative burdens for businesses and consumers . These efforts include reducing paperwork , expediting
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approvals , and maintaining certification quality and authenticity .
Sirajuddin highlighted The Mesyuarat Penambahbaikan Pelaksanaan Penaziran Pematuhan Dasar Pensijilan Halal Malaysia , held from Feb 3 to 5 , 2025 : “ This meeting is a continuation of
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Zahid Hamidi officiating the launch of the Halal on Track programme . |
last year ’ s compliance audits . It serves as a strategic platform to further enhance the implementation of halal certification policies .
“ Through immediate and comprehensive action , we aim to ensure that it remains efficient , reliable , and aligned with the needs of businesses and consumers .”
Beyond halal certification , JAKIM ’ s work is also in line with the broader principles of MADANI and its commitment to serving the ummah .
JAKIM ’ s vision is to cultivate an ecosystem to reflect Islam Mekar Di Bumi Malaysia , where Islamic values such as ethical business conduct and social responsibility are as prevalent as they are in halal practices .
Apart from that , JAKIM is preparing for the Global Halal Summit 2025 , which is scheduled for September .
The summit will coincide with Halal Product Month , an initiative introduced by Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Dato ’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi during the 2024 Halal On Track @ Pahang event .
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