The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) has praised McDonald's Malaysia for instituting a halal cake policy at its business premises, lauding the firm's dedication to halal certification guidelines.

"Jakim views McDonald's policy as a good initiative which highlights the company's high commitment to ensuring the halal certification of all its premises based on the Halal Assurance Management System," said Jakim director-general Othman Mustapha in a statement today.

Jakim also defended McDonald's policy, saying that it is no different from other fast food outlets which do not allow outside food from being brought unto their premises.

"In general, policy like this is not unusual as per the widely-practiced 'no outside food allowed' policy by many other restaurant chains, which is already widely accepted by the public," said Othman (photo).

While the agency was glad that the media and public are concerned about halal issues, the Jakim director-general urged all to refer to the relevant authorities first, before issues like this goes viral on social media, creating a polemic.

He explained that the issuance of the Malaysian Halal Assurance Certificate is based on the Malaysian Manual on Halal Certification Procedures (Third Revision) 2014, as well as the MS 1500:2009 - Halal Food - production, preparation, handling and storage - general guidelines.

Both of which, he explained, were developed jointly by industry players, consumers and experts, taking into consideration the entire product chain using the Halalan Toyyiban (halal and pure) approach, prioritising quality and food safety.

The manual outlines thirteen general requirements for halal certification and also on the certification of halal premises.

Jakim was responding to news reports of the newly instituted McDonald's policy as well as the mixed public reaction to it, and widespread debate on social media over the matter.