From Jan 1 2012, only the Halal logo issued by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) can be used and will be recognised.
Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said this was a follow-up to the enforcement of the Trade Descriptions Act 2011, approved by Parliament in July, and which would come into force on Nov 1.
“This means that food premises, hotels and others which, prior to this, were using halal logos not issued by Jakim, will need to make fresh applications because the existing logo is void after January 1. No other parties can recommend or issue halal certificates or make self-declarations concerning the halal status,” he told reporters, here, today.
Ismail Sabri said those found to be still using other halal logos could be fined up to RM250,000 for corporate bodies and RM100,000 for individuals, or three years jail or both.
Meanwhile, he said industries were given one year to change to the halal logo issued by Jakim.
For imported goods, he said, the parties who were marketing them could get a declaration or halal certificate through 53 halal certification bodies abroad which were recognised by Jakim.
“All quarters involved are advised to make an early application through their respective state Islamic religious councils because Jakim has given the authority to them to issue the certification. This is to smoothen the process,” he said.
It is estimated that, currently, there are 1,500 premises including trading premises such as restaurants, stalls, hotels and factories which are not usingthe halal logo issued by Jakim.
— BERNAMA
