SIBU: Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Islamic Affairs) Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman disagreed that it was difficult and costly to apply for halal certification from the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim).

He said certain standards set by a local authority and Health Department required food premises to be renovated to have proper tiles and netting for the kitchen to maintain cleanliness.

“It is not Jakim and Sarawak Islamic Affairs Department (Jais) that demand all the renovation.

“But in order for the premises to be operational, they must comply with the requirements of the relevant authorities,” he told reporters after he inspected the construction of Sarawak Islamic Complex at Awang Ramli Amit Road here yesterday.

He said while Jakim and Jais recognised the importance of halal status, the cleanliness aspect of food premises must be maintained.

He explained it was not necessary for the premises to be renovated if it was clean and complied with the local council and Health Department standard.

Another aspect that is taken into consideration by Jakim and Jais for the issuance of halal certificate is the ingredients used in food preparation.

“If they have the ingredients right and they comply with it, they can get the certificate within three months after submitting the application.

“It is not true that we make it difficult for them,” he said.

Daud said Jakim and Jais did not force food premises including stalls to apply for the certificate.

However, he said they could apply for it as long as they get the approval from the local authority.

On the same matter, he said so far about 400 premises in the state had obtained the certificate while thousands more were without it.

He encouraged especially Muslim food premises to apply for the certificate.

“It is sad to see food premises owned by Muslims having no halal certificate.

“Legal action can be taken against those found guilty of causing confusion or misusing the halal certification,” he said.

Also present at the function were Jais director Abang Shamsudin Abang Seruji and political secretary to the Chief Minister Abu Seman Jahwie

(Source: Borneo Post Online, 21 March 2012)