Operators of eateries are not compelled to apply for the ‘halal’ certification so as to display the halal logo at their premises, according to Hakimah Mohd Yusoff, director of the Halal Hub Division in the Department of Islamic Development (Jakim).

She said, however, that eateries having the certification and displaying the logo would benefit in the sense that customers would feel confident eating at these outlets.

Eateries displaying the halal logo should be able to show proof of the halal certification issued by Jakim or the Islamic Religious Council or the state Islamic religious councils, she said in a statement today.

“Displaying the halal logo without being able to show proof of the certification is tantamount to an offence because such an act deceives and misleads the customer,” she said.

“As such, the issue of allowing an eatery to exhibit the halal logo without certification does not arise,” she said, adding that traders who did not have the certification should not display the logo at their premises.

Hakimah said Jakim and the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry have agreed to undertake monitoring and enforcement of the certification in stages.

“Currently, Jakim is in the process of educating and advising consumers and owners of premises,” she added.

- Bernama