Published: Thursday July 5, 2012 MYT 4:31:00 PM

Eatery operators not required to display Jakim logo

By ZUHRIN AZAM AHMAD

PUTRAJAYA: Eatery operators are not required to apply for the Malaysia Islamic Development Department's (Jakim) halal certificate and logo but instead encouraged to do so.

This is especially for those who operate from stalls selling “nasi lemak” or “pisang goreng” and the likes, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom.

He said it didn't make sense requiring stall operators to apply for the certificate and logo.

“We don't intend to subject them to such a requirement.

“What we are doing is requiring those big ones which are still not using Jakim-issued logo and certificate to apply for it,” he said at a gathering with Jakim personnel here on Thursday.

Following an amendment to the Trade Description Act 1972, only Jakim and state religious department-issued halal certificate and logo would be recognised by the authority.

The ruling came into effect on Sunday after a six-month grace period.

Jamil Khir said the enforcement of the ruling should not be a big issue among eatery operators.

“In fact, I think having Jakim-issued certificate and logo could boost their business.

“Malaysian Muslims are more confident with the certification by the nation-own department,” he said.

Jamil Khir also said some 300 Islamic volunteer missionaries would be sent to Orang Asli settlements throughout the country during the coming fasting month to give the community the insight of the religious rite.

“They would live with the Orang Asli throughout the entire month,” he said adding that only settlements with Muslims would be included in the programme.

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