Explained: What Does It Take To Get Halal Certification From JAKIM In Malaysia?

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Some argue that the requirement is burdensome for businesses, while others note that the Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) has simplified and shortened the 60-day application process by half, aiming to achieve a 23-day standard.

Most agree that the application fee for halal certification, which ranges from RM100 for micro businesses to RM1,000 for large entities, is not a hefty expense.

According to a flow chart in the Malaysian Halal Certification Procedure Manual (Domestic) 2020, there are about 14 steps a business must take to obtain halal certification.

Although Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is pushing JAKIM to achieve a 23-day approval target, Clause 5 of the procedure manual presents a challenge:

"[The business must] be fully operational for at least three months before making a Malaysian Halal Certification (SPHM) application."

Speaking to SAYS, Restaurant and Bistro Owners Association vice-president Jeremy Lim said the three-month waiting period is necessary to demonstrate that the business operates in accordance with JAKIM's guidelines.

"I don't know what JAKIM's 23-day approval target is as I have never heard of any establishment getting their certification within a year," he said.

Lim also mentioned that popular chain restaurants, including fast food brands, do not receive halal certifications immediately after opening a new outlet.

"These [new] outlets have to go through the certification process. It doesn't matter if your entire chain is halal-certified; as long as you have a new outlet, there's a need to apply for a halal certification," Lim explained.

He also said it remains unclear whether JAKIM's 23-day target starts from the day of opening or from the day the application is submitted.

"[Regardless], I don't think you can get it in 60 days," he added.

Its founder, Chin Ren Yi, said it took six months to prepare their central kitchen to meet JAKIM's requirements, and another two months for their halal certification application to be approved.

"Our new stores were certified three to four months after opening, while older stores that did not require renovations were certified about four to five months after applying," Chin said when contacted.

A myBurgerLab representative explained that food production must be fully operational for at least three months before submitting a halal certification application, especially for first-time applicants.

He said the requirement ensures that the business is fully prepared to meet all halal guidelines, including both documentation and layout standards.

Meanwhile, Roslan Saludin, a research fellow at Future Research and board member of the Institute of Islamic Understanding (IKIM), told SAYS that the three-month waiting period ensures the business is ready and capable of sustaining operations for the duration of the certificate, which is typically two years.

"It's pointless to certify a premises if it can't survive beyond three months," he said.

To be eligible for halal certification, all businesses — whether food and beverage stores, cosmetic brands, or snack companies — must employ at least one Malaysian Muslim. Medium to large companies are required to employ two Malaysian Muslims.

Clause 18(1)(f)(iii) of the procedure manual requires micro-businesses to have at least one full-time Malaysian Muslim working in the food preparation area.

This requirement poses a challenge for non-Muslim micro-businesses, as many of these food stalls are operated by one person or their family members to minimise costs.

Such food stalls are an integral part of Malaysian culture, allowing the rakyat to enjoy a diverse range of cuisines, especially in small communities and neighbourhood pasar malam.

PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan has even suggested that these eateries should refrain from serving Muslim customers.

However, Roslan, who is also a member of the Selangor state halal policy committee, suggested that the federal government follow Majlis Amanah Rakyat's (MARA) example by establishing dedicated premises for micro food vendors to operate on a scheduled timetable.

He said the move would enable both Muslim and non-Muslim vendors to meet all halal requirements and collectively employ a qualified Muslim halal supervisor to oversee food preparation activities.