(EXPLAINER) Everything You Need to Know About the Recent Halal Certification Issue

As reported by Malay Mail, he added, “The restaurants should be allowed to decide if they want a halal certificate or not." Govindasamy explained that obtaining the halal certification is costly, and the requirements are stringent. He explained that all restaurants must obtain a license from the local councils and are monitored regularly by the health department.

“There are periodic checks on the cleanliness and quality of the food. Every year, the local council grades the restaurants. There are also online reviews about restaurants and there have been many cases where premises have been shuttered for two weeks by the health department,” he elaborated.

If you haven’t been following the issue, we break it down for you below:

5 Popular Restaurant Chains Are Not Halal-Certified

As reported by NST on September 3, the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) clarified that five popular restaurant chains do not hold the Malaysian halal certification.

This includes Johnny's, Black Canyon, Dolly Dim Sum, Mr Dakgalbi, Bungkus Kaw Kaw, and Ayam Penyet Best (except four outlets). However, none of these restaurants serve pork or alcohol and are Muslim-friendly.

To see if the restaurant you want to frequent has obtained Halal certificates, visit this website.

On September 5, NST reported that Jakim is considering making halal certification compulsory for restaurants and food establishments that do not serve pork or alcohol.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, said obtaining halal certification is optional for food business operators.

Teresa Kok’s take

Teresa Kok, the member of Parliament for Seputeh, took to social media to voice her thoughts on the issue. She urged the government to look into the enforcement of Halal certification again, stating, “The requirement for Halal certificates on restaurants and food companies that do not serve pork and alcohol will create a burden on small businesses, including Malay restaurant operators.”

She added, “This shouldn’t be compulsory, but optional. If it’s made compulsory, it will only increase the administrative costs.”

PMX chimes in

Following her comments, Kok received backlash from many, including Prime Minster Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. She was also criticised by Umno leaders, the Opposition, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as the Malaysian Malay Chamber of Commerce. However, DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke stated on September 8 that the party was confident Kok did not violate any laws when expressing her views on the government policy proposal.

According to Malay Mail’s report, Anwar said, “There’s no need to create unnecessary controversy within our society. Certain regulations are needed to give Muslims peace of mind. “If she wants to represent some parties, that’s fine... but there’s no need to make such statements openly as it does not help clarify the situation.”

“We need to manage both Muslim and non-Muslim sentiments. Her approach should be to discuss properly first, not to showcase individual prowess,” he added.

As of noon on September 10, Bernama reported that the police had received 50 reports regarding Teresa Kok’s statement. The politician is being investigated under Section 298 and Section 505(b) of the Penalty Code and Section 233 of the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Act 1998.

She also appeared at Bukit Aman on the same day to state the investigation. Following that, she spoke to reporters, clarifying that her remarks on the proposed halal certification specifically addressed the proposal's compulsory nature.

“My statement on Sept 6 was a response to the minister’s suggestion to have mandatory halal certification for all restaurants that do not sell pork or alcohol. That statement was only on the suggestion to make it mandatory," She also added that she had never opposed halal certification, including what was proposed by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs).