No Mandatory Halal Certification

SHAH ALAM, Sept 16 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has officially clarified that the Malaysian government has never mandated halal certification for all restaurants or any establishments in the food and beverage (F&B) sector to apply for it. This statement comes amid rising concerns and debates over halal certification requirements and their implications for non-Muslim operators.

Voluntary Certification

In his remarks at the 78th MIC General Assembly held at the Ideal Convention Centre, Ahmad Zahid emphasized that discussions surrounding halal certification have been ongoing for quite some time. He noted that, interestingly, many non-Muslim restaurant operators in Malaysia voluntarily seek halal certification, primarily to cater to a broader market segment.

Clarification from DPM Zahid

The Deputy Prime Minister also addressed potential misunderstandings within the Unity Government regarding this matter, urging members not to fall prey to political rhetoric or misinformation. He stressed the importance of mutual respect among various religious communities, particularly in light of recent controversies.

Recent Proposals and Reactions

The debate was further ignited when Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, suggested that the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) might explore a proposal to make halal certification compulsory for restaurants that do not serve pork or alcohol. This suggestion was met with pushback; Seputeh MP Teresa Kok advocated for voluntary certification, arguing that market demand, rather than compulsion, should guide operations.

Ongoing Discussions

Adding to the matter, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil revealed that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has requested a detailed report from Dr Mohd Na’im on this sensitive issue for discussion at an upcoming Cabinet meeting.

Conclusion

The situation continues to unfold as various stakeholders engage in dialogue over the implications of halal certification on businesses, religious sentiments, and market dynamics in Malaysia. Stay tuned for updates as this pivotal discussion develops!