The Malaysian Islamic Development Department's (Jakim) stringent requirements for halal certification are a burden to bumiputera business owners, Rural and Regional Development Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob says.

He said the procedures for the certification should be less stringent for Malay-owned firms with 100 percent Muslims workers, since the firms would already be practising halal methods.

"Malay/bumiputera firms usually have limited capital, so it is at times difficult for them to fulfil the requirements, like adding on machines.

"As they have to spend more to fulfil the procedures (set by Jakim), they choose not to seek halal certification," Ismail said.

He said Jakim should make its requirements less stringent to assist small enterprises, especially those owned by Malays or bumiputera.

"I understand the halal certification is important to Jakim, especially when it comes to food.

"I don't know whether Jakim will accept this, but I suggest making the certification procedures less stringent," Ismail said.

He said this after officiating the Halal Fiesta Malaysia (Halfest) which is being held from Aug 31 to Sept 4 at the Mines exhibition centre in Seri Kembangan.

Halfest, a trade fair for entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services, aims at developing competitive bumiputera entrepreneurs.