The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) has no authority to raid and take action against premises exhibiting 'No Pork' signs.

Its director-general Othman Mustapha said such raids and actions were under the jurisdiction of the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry.

"Jakim, state religious departments, the ministry and other related (enforcement) agencies have a special committee on the halal sign," he told reporters on the third day of the 37th national Quran memorising competition in Ipoh today.

Othman said the application for halal certification is voluntary and any quarter intending to do so must follow the stipulated procedure.

"The term 'No Pork' tells consumers who don't eat pork that the premises don't serve pork. The halal term not only covers the aspect of pork but also chicken which are not slaughtered according to Islam," he explained.

In this regard, Othman said consumers especially Muslims must pick business premises which exhibited the halal logo to avoid any doubt.

- Bernama