Report Kelantan To Require Halal Certification For F B Licence Renewal

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Food and beverage businesses in Kelantan will be required to have halal certification as a pre-requisite for renewing their business licence, according to a report.
The report by Sinar Harian quoted Kelantan Islamic Development, Proselytisation, Information, and Public Relations executive councillor Mohd Asri Mat Daud saying this requirement is already being enforced by the Kota Bharu City Council and will be expanded to other local authorities in the state.
“At the same time, the Kelantan Islamic Religious Affairs Department (Jaheaik) will expand opportunities for small industries and hotels to obtain halal certification, as well as individuals producing food and beverage products at home,” he was quoted as saying today.
‘Non-Muslims have no issue’
According to the report, Asri said 453 premises have been certified halal from January to December this year, of which 198 are in Kota Bharu and the other 255 are in other parts of Kelantan.
He added that nearly 80 percent of these businesses are Muslim-owned, while the rest are owned by non-Muslims.
Kelantan Islamic Development, Proselytisation, Information, and Public Relations executive councillor Mohd Asri Mat Daud“In Kelantan, there is no issue of non-Muslims feeling ‘rigid’ about halal certification. They can accept it.
“Meanwhile, Jaheaik will conduct spot checks each year to inspect all premises that have halal certification,” Asri said.
In September, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs) Mohd Na’im Mokhtar mooted a similar move at the national level where restaurants and food companies that do not serve pork or alcohol would be required to obtain halal certification.
The issue sparked objections citing the costs and stringent requirements for certification, as well as a controversy where critics accuse Seputeh MP Teresa Kok of disrespecting Islam in highlighting issues related to the proposal.
The cabinet ultimately decided to maintain the status quo, where halal certification is voluntary, and pledged to improve the certification process. - Mkini

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