Malaysia: Jakim Does Not Commercialise Halal Certs

KUALA LUMPUR, May 4 (Bernama) — The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) does not commercialise its halal certificates as its application fees covered the costs of research and laboratory tests on the status of product ingredients, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom.

He said industry operators in Malaysia should not accuse Jakim of reaping profits by commercialising the approval of halal certificates.

“The public should not regard Jakim as a body that commercialises halal certificates…the fee imposed on small industries is RM200, while medium industries RM400 and large-scale national industries are charged RM800.

“I would like to emphasise that Jakim does not make any profit from issuing halal certificates, but we want to ensure that costs incurred through the approval of the certificates are paid for by the applicant,” he told reporters after presenting a halal certificate to Pelita Samudra Pertama Sdn Bhd chairman Datuk Shamsuri Ahmad, here Friday.

Payment for halal certificates are for a two-year duration and delay in payment can affect the process of halal inspection visit to factories, food premises and slaughterhouses.

— BERNAMA