F&B Operators Caught Misleading Customers About Halal Status Using Symbols or Logos Will Be Fined RM1 Million

Halal certificates boost Muslim consumers’ confidence to dine in at a place but if you’re using other alternatives as “substitutes” for JAKIM’s Halal certificates, you’re bound to face legal consequences.

In a written Parliament reply by the Ministry of Domestic Trade & Cost of Living (KPDN) yesterday (November 18), Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said that the ministry will take stern action against any F&B operator who deceive consumers by using the term “Halal” without an actual valid certificate.

Aside from using the Halal logo, other forms of deception can also come in the form of symbols such as mosques, the Kaabah, crescent moons, stars, or any writings that can be associated with Islam, including the act of displaying verses from the Quran.

“It is an offence under the Trade Descriptions (Definition of Halal) Order 2011,” Armizan said in his written reply at page 9.

If a food operator is found guilty of tricking or confusing Muslim consumers with the relevant symbols or logos, he/she will be fined RM1 million or face a jail time of 3 years, or both.

Armizan also reminded the food operators to obtain a valid Halal certificate from one of these three organizations,

• Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM)
• State Islamic Religious Council (MAIN)
• State Islamic Religious Department (JAIN)

“Food operators should obtain Halal certs from one of these organizations before they are allowed to use terminology that indicates the product is halal, as provided under the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Halal Marking) Order 2011.”

Armizan was answering the question posed by politician Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Abd Muttalib, who wanted to know the legal actions taken against non-Muslim traders who have exploited the use of names, stamps, and logos commonly associated with Islam, such as mosques, blessings, and so on.

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Also read: JAKIM’s Halal Certifications are Issued to More Non-Bumiputera Operators Than Bumiputera Businesses