Negeri Sembilan Eateries Without Halal Cert Using ‘Ramadan Buffet’ or ‘Iftar’ Face Fines of Up to RM500k

With Ramadan approaching, the Negeri Sembilan Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAINS) has reminded buffet operators of the consequences if the rules are not followed during the fasting month. 

Vendors are NOT allowed to use “Ramadan Buffet” if the premises are not certified Halal.

Buffet catering in a restaurant. Buffet in a hotel or restaurant.

Furthermore, businesses are also not allowed to use other closely related words, such as “Muslim-Friendly,” “Let’s Iftar (break fast),” and “Berbuka Puasa (break fast).”

These include promotional activities conducted by premises with no Halal certification through both electronic and print platforms, such as radio, television, newspapers, banners, billboards, flyers, and social media channels.

JHEAINS, however, clarified that there is no issue with any party without a Halal certification using the term “buffet,” as long as they don’t use the term “Ramadan Buffet.”

So, what do you do if you find premises violating the “No Halal Certification, No Ramadan Buffet” rule?

According to JHEAINS’s social media post, the public can contact the Halal Management Division, JHEAINS, via the hotline at 06-766 4234. Another alternative would be to lodge a complaint via email at ym.vog.snobfsctd-928586@sniaehj.lalah.

JHEAINS also explained that under the Trade Descriptions (Definition of Halal) Order 2011, ‘Ramadan buffet’ is one of the terms that carries a Halal connotation and cannot be used arbitrarily, as it constitutes a form of trade description.

“The use of the ‘Ramadan buffet’ term by parties who do not hold Halal certification is a legal violation that may lead to enforcement action, and if found guilty, they can be fined up to RM500,000,” JHEAINS said in its post.

Last year, the Religious Departments in Selangor, Perak and Sarawak also implemented similar regulations for all food and business operators when it comes to Ramadan Buffet.

Also read: 11 Muslim M’sians Share Methods That Help Them Get Through Fasting During the Month of Ramadan