Jakim Monitors Misuse of Halal Logos, Tackles Misleading Terms

Malaysia, a nation deeply committed to upholding Islamic principles in its commerce, is actively combating the misuse of its Halal certification. The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) has intensified its monitoring efforts to ensure that the integrity of the Halal logo remains uncompromised. This includes vigilance against the unauthorized use of the official Halal logo and the misleading application of related terms on business premises across the country.

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From the aspect of misuse, there are still some complaints regarding parties using invalid halal logos to be placed on premises and so on.

Jakim is not working in isolation. Recognizing the need for a coordinated approach, the department collaborates closely with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) and state-level Islamic religious departments. These joint enforcement operations are crucial in tackling businesses that attempt to circumvent regulations by using fraudulent or uncertified Halal markings. While awareness within the industry regarding the importance of legitimate Halal certification is growing, as evidenced by an increase in applications, instances of misuse persist, necessitating these robust enforcement actions.

Furthermore, Jakim is addressing the potentially confusing use of terms such as 'Muslim friendly,' 'no pork,' and 'no lard.' While these phrases might seem innocuous, their use without official Halal certification can mislead consumers about the permissibility of food products. Jakim, along with State Islamic Religious Councils (MAIN) and State Islamic Religious Departments (JAIN), are the sole authorities for Halal certification in Malaysia. The department has issued directives to cease the use of such terms without proper certification, warning of joint action with KPDN if the practice continues.

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We have directed that such things should not be done because the authorities related to halal certification are Jakim, MAIN, and JAIN.

The recent Halal Products and Madani Tourism Festival at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) serves as a platform to further enhance Halal awareness among students, the public, and industry players. By providing guidance on Halal practices, engaging in debates, and facilitating discussions, Jakim aims to foster a deeper understanding and adherence to Halal standards. This proactive approach, combining enforcement with education, is vital for maintaining consumer trust and ensuring the continued growth of the Halal economy in Malaysia, reflecting the nation's dedication to Islamic values in its economic activities.

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If this continues or happens, we will take action together with KPDN.