The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) has warned businesses and food caterers against promoting food items as halal for Muslim consumption without having Malaysian Halal Certification (SPHM). These include buffets, iftar (breaking fast), and Ramadan sets during the holy Islamic month.
As reported by BERNAMA, JAKIM director-general Datuk Hakimah Mohd Yusoff said that such a practice is a violation of the Trade Description Act 2011.
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Hence, those intending to provide catering services for Ramadan are advised to obtain SPHM. Accordingly, she urged food caterers who are planning to offer buffet services without SPHM to apply for certification promptly.
This can be done through either JAKIM or the respective Islamic religious councils. Hakimah further stressed that JAKIM is always ready to assist entrepreneurs in acquiring the halal certification.
According to Section 5(1) of the Trade Description Act 2011, false trade description is prohibited, whereby any person who applies a false trade description to any goods is deemed to have committed an offense.
Jakim director-general datuk hakimah mohd yusoff
Upon conviction, if the offender is a corporate body, they face a fine not exceeding RM250,000, and for a second or subsequent offense, a fine not exceeding RM500,000.
Should the offender not be a body corporate, they face a fine not exceeding RM100,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or both. For a second or subsequent offense, to a fine not exceeding RM250,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or both.
So, what do you guys think of the statement by JAKIM? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
