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All F&B Businesses In Kelantan Will Require Halal Certification To Renew Their Licences

The Kota Bharu Municipal Council will be the first to enforce this requirement.

Cover image via FMT & Sinar Harian

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The Kelantan state government has made halal certification mandatory for food and beverage (F&B) outlets in the state

According to the state's Islamic development, dakwah, information, and regional relations committee chairperson Mohd Asri Mat Daud, halal certification is now required to renew business licences.

The Kota Bharu Municipal Council will be the first to enforce this requirement.

"God willing, other local councils [in the state] will follow suit and implement this [rule] in the near future," he was quoted as saying by Utusan Malaysia, as reported by Malay Mail.

Mohd Asri also shared that a total of 453 halal certifications have been issued to businesses in the state this year

Of these, 405 were awarded to Malay entrepreneurs, while 48 were given to non-Islamic premises.

The certifications cover hotels, restaurants, eateries, pharmacies, hair salons, and other establishments.


"To obtain halal certification, applicants must meet eight specific requirements, which include not only food and beverages but also kitchen management and the use of halal-certified materials or products," he said, adding that surprise inspections are conducted annually to ensure business operators comply with the rules and regulations.

Image via Sinar Harian

While halal certification remains voluntary at the federal level, JAKIM had earlier this year proposed making halal certification mandatory nationwide:

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