'Mandatory' halal cert, MP warns risk added burden to businesses

The proposal to require restaurants and food companies that do not serve pork and alcohol to obtain halal certification has the potential to increase the burden on businesses, including thousands of Malay restaurant operators. 

Seputeh MP Teresa Kok said the move is against the spirit of cultural diversity and may make Malaysia an object of ridicule abroad.

“When the government makes it mandatory for food premises to have a halal certificate, it is seen as adding a burden to small businesses. 

“Although many restaurants do not serve pork or alcohol, they do not apply for halal certification. This includes thousands of small Malay restaurant operators.

“The introduction of compulsory halal certification will increase administrative costs. Halal certification should be voluntary, allowing entrepreneurs to make decisions based on market demand rather than being enforced, which will increase the difficulty of business operations,” she said in a statement today. 

Yesterday the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) was reported to be considering a proposal to make halal certification mandatory for restaurants and food companies that do not serve pork and alcohol.

However, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Mohd Na’im Mokhtar explained that several steps need to be taken before it can be implemented.

“There is no law requiring restaurant operators or food companies to have a halal certificate.

“When we say we want to make it mandatory for all (restaurants) to have a halal certificate, some acts or laws need to be amended.

“Many agencies will be involved to enforce it,” he said. 

Users’ choice

Commenting further, Kok said consumers have the right to choose whether to visit restaurants that have been certified halal or not.

“Mandatory halal certification will limit business flexibility and affect consumers’ freedom of choice. 

“This excessive regulation not only restricts the freedom of business management but also does not respect the wishes of consumers,” she added.

Kok said this mandatory implementation conflicts with existing laws and may require various amendments.

“More importantly, this intervention is against the spirit of economic freedom and business autonomy that the government often advocates and will have a negative impact on the unity government.

“If this halal certification is mandatory, it will not only trigger a negative reaction in the country but may even embarrass our country at the international level,” she added.

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