Non-Muslim Restaurants and F&B Companies Not Required to Get Halal Certification, Says Malaysia’s Deputy PM
Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, has affirmed that non-Muslim business operators will not be compelled to obtain halal certification. He clarified that the government has not introduced any policy mandating restaurants or food and beverage (F&B) businesses nationwide to secure halal certification.
Addressing concerns, Zahid emphasized that the government had not reached a decision on imposing such a requirement across the sector. “The issue of halal and haram has been discussed for a long time, and even in the past, some non-Muslim restaurant operators voluntarily applied for halal certification,” Zahid stated.
He further reiterated that there is no cabinet directive enforcing halal certification on all F&B establishments. “No decision has been made to mandate 100% halal certification for all restaurants or businesses within the F&B industry,” he said during his speech at the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) Annual General Assembly.
Zahid's remarks came in response to public discussions following a statement by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, on September 6. The minister had revealed that the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) was considering a proposal to make halal certification compulsory for businesses that do not serve pork or alcohol.
This potential move sparked debate, with Seputeh MP Teresa Kok arguing that halal certification should remain voluntary, allowing operators to decide based on market needs rather than government mandate.
Zahid confirmed that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had instructed Minister Mohd Na’im to present the current status and findings on the issue in an upcoming briefing, emphasizing that non-Muslims should not be coerced into obtaining halal certification.
