@ Halal | November-December . 2024

To prevent misuse and falsification of halal logos , the federal and State Islamic councils will conduct monitoring regularly

According to JAKIM Halal Management Division Director Muhyidin Aziz @ Saari , these violations fall under the guidelines stipulated in Clause 32 of the Malaysian Halal Certification Manual 2020 .

To prevent the misuse and falsification of halal logos , JAKIM and State Islamic councils regularly conduct monitoring . During these inspections , halal certificates can be suspended or revoked if irregularities are detected .

If a halal-certified business is found to be non-compliant with the required standards , a specific timeframe will be given to rectify the issue . However , failure to make the necessary corrections within the stipulated period may result in temporary suspension . The certification may also be permanently revoked if no action is taken to resolve the problem .

Other non-compliance issues

THE Malaysian Islamic Development Department ( JAKIM ) is making significant progress in expediting the halal certification approval process , which once took as long as nine months to complete .

Through concerted efforts over the years , JAKIM has successfully streamlined this process , reducing the approval time first to six months , then to three months , and subsequently to 23 days .

Earlier in June , Deputy Prime Minister Dato ’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi urged JAKIM further to reduce the approval time to just 15 days . In response , JAKIM is currently testing a new system aimed at achieving this timeframe , processing applications within 15 working days of submission .

Additionally , during the presentation of the 2025 Budget , Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced plans to hire 100 additional halal audi-

include the unauthorised use of halal logos and the falsification of halal certificates . While the halal logos and certifications are strictly regulated , some businesses still take the risk of appearing compliant , thus misleading customers .

There are also cases where premises displayed Quranic verses without a valid SPHM . This is an offence under the Trade Descriptions Act ( TDA ) 2011 , as such religious imagery can create a false sense of credibility among Muslim customers .

Muhyidin told the New Straits Times : “ Premises that provide or offer food while making any representation

Dato ‘ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi

tors for JAKIM .

This move is expected to improve the efficiency of monitoring halal standards across the nation . By increasing the number of auditors , JAKIM will be better equipped to conduct on-site inspections and ensure compliance with halal regulations .

That said , JAKIM has partnered with five universities and higher that could deceive the public into believing the food is halal are committing an offence under the Trade Descriptions ( Definition of Halal ) Order 2011 .”

He also reiterated that SPHM and halal logos are non-transferable and cannot be tampered with under any circumstances . Applications for SPHM certification must be submitted through JAKIM or the respective state Islamic religious councils or departments .

The public is urged to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to halal certification to the relevant authorities .

learning institutions to train additional halal auditors . At the moment , the government is finalising the proposal to establish Akademi Halal Malaysia .

This academy will be responsible for coordinating and guiding the development of halal professionalism in Malaysia , a move that reassures the public about the future of halal certification .

PREMIER o f Sarawak Tan Sri Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has called for enhanced cooperation between Sarawak and Brunei Darussalam to build a halal brand that appeals to consumers in the Middle East .

The two regions are well-positioned to assume a leadership role in the expanding global halal market , notably the Middle Eastern market . Ultimately , this would involve leveraging the strengths of both regions to produce high-quality halal goods .

During the launch of the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office in Brunei Darussalam ( STATOB ), Abang Johari highlighted the immense potential of commercial agriculture for economic cooperation . He underlined potential in areas like paddy cultivation , aquaculture , and livestock farming .

The northern parts of Sarawak , particularly the Limbang and Lawas valleys , are identified as crucial regions for agricultural advancement . The focus is on enhancing food security through sustainable rice cultivation and livestock production .

In addition to agriculture , Sarawak is committed to supporting Brunei in its goal of achieving a 10 per cent renewable energy mix by 2035 . This goal is part of Brunei ’ s Nationally Determined Contribution ( NDC ) to the Paris Agreement .

Another critical sector for collaboration , according to Abang Johari , is tourism . Sarawak and Brunei can join forces to promote their rich cultural heritage and scenic attractions . He also underscored the potential of both regions ’ airports serving as international travel hubs .

The Sarawak government has also allocated approximately RM6 billion for a coastal highway connecting Lawas and Limbang . This highway will pass through Brunei , enhancing connectivity between northern Sarawak and other parts of the state . It is set for completion by 2030 and is anticipated to benefit both regions economically and socially .