KUALA LUMPUR – Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Ahmad Marzuk Shaary (Pengkalan Chepa-PAS) has assured that there is no discrimination by the government against non-Bumiputera companies that produce halal products.
He told the Dewan Rakyat during question time that as long as a person or company complies with the requirements in the manual for halal certification, they are entitled to the certificate, regardless of public criticism.
Marzuk was answering a question by Fong Kui Lun (Bukit Bintang-PH), concerning public comments by Malay NGOs against halal certification for non-Bumiputera companies and products.
“What’s important is we follow what has been set by the government along with the procedures.”
As for whether the government plans any amendments or changes towards legal provisions relating to halal certifications, he said Putrajaya is of the view that the available legislation and provisions are sufficient for now.
On halal certification, Marzuk said it is based on Malaysian standards following local acts, fatwas and by-laws.
He added that the Islamic Development Department Malaysia (Jakim) has improved on halal certification by complying with the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and IEC 17065 for global recognition.
“The country is in a bid to become an international halal hub and we are concerned with all aspects of halal certification.
“In January, Jakim strengthened the manual for halal certification to replace the guidelines set in 2014.” – The Vibes, November 16, 2021
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