Malay F&B Group Calls for Kelantan Govt to Delay Mandatory Halal Requirement Until Jan 2026

A few days ago, the Kelantan government made it mandatory for food and beverage outlets in the state to obtain Halal certifications to renew their business licenses.

However, non-Muslim businesses in Kelantan are not required to comply with the new rule, unless they cater to Muslim customers.

Meanwhile, the Kelantan Malay Restaurant Operators Association (Permeka) has requested that the government delay the mandatory rule.

Permeka chairman Nik Hassan Mohd Zain said many traders are not prepared and said that the authorities should have announced the requirements six months in advance.

Image Credit: FMT

Nik Hassan also cited financial challenges as a concern for small business owners and added that the government should have announced the requirements six months prior.

According to Malay Mail, he had sent a letter to the Kota Bharu Municipal Council (MPKB-BRI) and the Kelantan Islamic Affairs Department to discuss a possible solution.

Image Credit: Berita Harian

In other related news, The Small and Medium Enterprises Association Malaysia (SAMENTA) urged the state government to reconsider the mandate, citing the new rule adds an additional layer of burden and costs to businesses, especially to small business owners.

Instead, the association calls for collaboration with F&B operators to promote Halal certification and with the certification authority to further ease and reduce the burden and costs of obtaining such certification.

“Applying for Halal certification could mean up to RM200,000 per premise if modification to the premise is required, and another RM50,000 per annum if a Halal coordinator is required on top of the training costs of new and existing employees,” SAMENTA national president Datuk William Ng said.

Featured image credit: Sinar Harian