Muslim consumers met by Malaysiakini frowned on the move by Institut Kerjasama Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (Ikiam) and Risda to issue their own halal certification for goods produced by Muslims.

However, some believe the move should prompt the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) to expand its jurisdiction to certify non-food products as well.

Rashidah Halim, 40, said businesses want to ensure that their suppliers follow halal practices.

"Everything must be halal, but Jakim only looks at food production. We should also look into the production of food packaging, for example. It must all be halal.

"Jakim must expand its jurisdiction, or else other agencies will take over," Rashidah (photo) told Malaysiakini.

Rashidah said she had once sought halal certification for packaging used in her business, but was rejected by Jakim, which said packaging does not require halal vetting.

She also raised concern that food imported may have been transported in containers that once carried non-halal products.

"We import chicken and beef using containers, but the same containers may have been used to transport pork before that. What happens then? Why not check if the container is halal? Jakim needs to consider this," Rashidah said.

However, Jamal Abdul Karim, 50, strongly opposes such a move.

Jamal, who is secretary of the Bandar Teknologi Kajang Baru Residents Association, said the issue of halal is very sensitive and must be dealt with carefully.

"Just let one department issue halal certifications. It is inappropriate for others to be involved. This is not something to toy with, for halal and haram are important to all Muslims.

"Don't let multiple agencies issue halal logos. We are truly concerned about this halal issue," Jamal (photo) said.

He said he is already concerned about the certification of restaurants, and believes that even non-Muslim proprietors appreciate this.

"Even non-Muslim shops take care about this halal-haram issue. Some shops may have Malay names but they are actually run by Chinese," he added.

'Risda shouldn't interfere'

Norhayati Hashim, 40, said Risda should not meddle in the issue.

"If we allow Risda to do so, then Felda will want to do the same, and then Fama. Jakim is more credible in this matter," Norhayati said.

Civil servant Mohd Fauzi Ibrahim, 44, said the move by Risda and Ikiam could cause confusion among consumers.

"If there are multiple bodies issuing halal certification, then it would be a problem for consumers. Even today there are many products that are not halal out there," he said.

"It is better if the enforcement is tighter," Fauzi said.

However, Rosli Sarip, 50 (photo), said the confusion will only be a teething problem.

"It's a good move, so that Muslims will not be duped. Sometimes, the food producers print their own halal logos," the trader said.

"Yes, there might be confusion in the beginning, but it will be okay eventually," he added.

Homemaker Rosdiana Kassim, 44, cautioned that there might be some who will similarly print their own Risda-Ikiam halal logos.

"If there are two or three agencies producing the halal logos, there will be even greater chances of abuse of power," Rosdiana said.

Roslan Nordin, 45, also raised concerns over manipulation by producers.

"Even today, consumers find it difficult to determine if the purported Jakim-issued halal logo shown is authentic.

"Sometimes, there are restaurants for which the halal certification from Jakim is cancelled, and yet the logo is still displayed at their premises," Roslan said.

As such, Roslan said, it is better for Jakim to improve its work, rather than to have another agency issue another halal logo.