PUTRAJAYA: The application for halal certification in Malaysia remains voluntary, with no law mandating any party to apply for it, said Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee.
He said the Malaysian Halal Certification (SPHM) was open to any party willing to comply with all applicable 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 its own initiative to increase the number of SPHM holders under its administration.
However, he urged the local council to provide clear and comprehensive explanations to prevent confusion among operators and the public.
Commenting further, Sirajuddin said 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.
Yesterday, Kelantan State Committee on Local Government, Housing, Health, and Environment chairman Hilmi Abdullah said the certification is required only for businesses that sell food to Muslim customers.
He said it would be enforced only if a non-Muslim-owned business also serves food to Muslim customers.
– Bernama