PUTRAJAYA, Dec 29 — Halal certification in Malaysia is voluntary, with no law mandating anyone apply for it, said Islamic Development Department (Jakim) director-general Datuk Sirajuddin Suhaimee.
He said the Malaysian Halal Certification (SPHM) is open to any party willing to comply with Jakim’s standards, requirements, and laws.
“It adds value to certificate holders by demonstrating a high level of commitment to consistently adhering to halal certification standards and requirements,” he said in a statement today.
Commenting on the move by a local authority to require food and beverage operators to hold SPHM certification before renewing their business licences, Sirajuddin described it as the authority’s initiative to increase the number of SPHM holders under its administration.
However, he urged the authority to provide clear and comprehensive explanations to prevent confusion among operators and the public.
Commenting further, Sirajuddin noted that Jakim, alongside state religious authorities, actively encouraged operators to apply for SPHM while fostering strategic collaboration with various guiding agencies at both federal and state levels.
“This is because being an SPHM holder guarantees the quality of products or services and adds value to businesses by broadening market opportunities,” he added.
— Bernama
