Malaysia: JAKIM awards Halal certificates to hotels and restaurants for Ramadan

KUALA LUMPUR, July 20 (Bernama) — The Islamic Development Department

(Jakim) has approved halal certificates for 359 hotels and 453 premises offering

Ramadan buffet this fasting month.

Jakim director-general Datuk Othman Mustapha said operators of hotels and

food premises are required to apply for halal certification before they hold the

buffet.

“Jakim is working closely with the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) and

Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners (MAHO) to create awareness among members

on the importance of halal certification,” he said in a statement today.

Othman said Jakim has also monitored 471 food premises and hotel kitchens,

of which 154 premises were issued warnings to apply for or renew their halal

certificates.

“Jakim is still monitoring the 154 premises, and should they fail to produce

their application for the certificate by end of July, action will be taken under

the Trade Descriptions Act 2011,” he said.

Othman also advised Muslims to be wise when choosing hotels and food

premises offering Ramadan buffets, and to ensure they are certified by Jakim or

the State Islamic Religious Council to avoid doubts.

Muslims can check the list of halal certified hotels and food premises at

www.halal.gov.my