Zahid Hamidi: Eateries Owned by Non-Muslims Can’t be Forced to Obtain Halal Certificates

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has chimed in with the recent proposal to make it mandatory for all eateries in the country not serving alcohol and pork to obtain a Halal certificate, saying that eateries owned by non-Muslims can’t be forced to do so.

Zahid was quoted as saying the above during his speech at the 78th MIC Annual General Assembly (AGM) at IDCC Shah Alam yesterday (15 September).

The Government never made any decision to make Halal certificates mandatory

Datuk seri dr ahmad zahid hamidi

Taking to his official Facebook account, the Deputy Prime Minister stressed that it’s important for a multiracial Government to have mutual respect and understanding of each others’ sensitivities.

On the Halal certificate issue, Berita Harian quoted Zahid as asserting that the Government has never made any decision to make it mandatory for eateries nationwide to obtain the Halal certificates from the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (JAKIM).

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The Deputy Prime Minister added that the question of Halal or Haram has long been a part of Malaysia, with some non-Muslim business owners already voluntarily seeking Halal certification.

However, he reiterated that there has been no decision to make it mandatory for all restaurants nationwide.

Zahid Hamidi said that eateries owned by non-Muslims can’t be forced to obtain Halal certificates

Zahid said that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has since tasked the de facto Religious Affairs Minister to provide an update on the status of the proposal at the next Cabinet meeting.

He further asserted,

“Islam says, your religion is for you, my religion is for me. For other religions to respect yours, you must respect theirs… Don’t force non-Muslims to obtain Halal certificates,”

So, what do you guys think of the Deputy Prime Minister’s statement? Share your thoughts with us in the comments. 

Also read: PAS MP Says Eateries Owned By Non-Muslims Without Halal Certs Shouldn’t Serve Muslim Customers