Halal cert for Muslim-owned eateries unnecessary, says Umno’s ulama council
Published on: Saturday, September 07, 2024
By: FMT
Umno’s ulama council deputy president Khairuddin Aman Razali said there is a presumption that food prepared by Muslims is deemed halal unless proven otherwise.
PETALING JAYA: Umno’s ulama council says it is not necessary for Muslim-owned eateries to be mandated to obtain halal certification from the Malaysian Islamic development department (Jakim).
In a Facebook post, the council’s deputy president Khairuddin Aman Razali said Muslim-owned establishments should be excluded from the proposal as Muslims are already personally bound by Islamic rules on halal and haram.
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"And in terms of food preparation by Muslims, there is a presumption of it being halal unless proven otherwise."
However, he agreed that certification for restaurants operated by Muslims and products made by Muslims could enhance confidence in the veracity of the halal status of these establishments and items.
On Thursday, religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar said Jakim was considering a proposal to make halal certification mandatory for restaurants and food companies that do not serve pork or alcohol.
He said obtaining halal certification was currently on a voluntary basis for restaurant operators or food business owners.
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Seputeh MP Teresa Kok has opposed such a move, saying it could impose significant burdens on small businesses, restrict consumer freedom and may clash with Malaysia’s cultural diversity.
Making it compulsory may provoke negative reactions domestically and embarrass Malaysia on the international stage, she said.
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The Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia (DPMM) said that Kok’s claim that the proposed rule would make Malaysia a subject of ridicule is unfounded and contrary to the reality of the trillion-dollar global halal market.
“Firstly, halal certification is a crucial requirement ensuring that hygiene standards, food safety and shariah-compliance are met.
"This is not only important for Muslims but also for non-Muslim consumers who increasingly recognise the quality assured through this certification process,"said DPMM president Norsyahrin Hamidon in a statement.
He added that since Malaysia is recognised as a leader in the halal industry, the mandatory halal certification of eateries that do not serve pork and alcohol would further strengthen the country’s position as a global halal hub.
"With appropriate support, particularly in raising awareness and technical assistance, small traders can also adapt and leverage halal certification as a value-add to their businesses,"he said.
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