FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MALAYSIAN HALAL CERTIFICATION
CATEGORY: GENERAL
MALAYSIAN HALAL CERTIFICATION
NO QUESTION
1 What other local and foreign halal logos and
certification bodies are recognised by
JAKIM?
2 How do consumers discern that imported
products in the market have recognised
halal certification?
3 What is the difference between Malaysian
halal certification and halal certification
issued by private bodies?
4 Has there been any cooperation between
private companies and the government to
issue halal certificates?
5 Can applications for Malaysian halal
certification be submitted manually?
ANSWER
(a) Local:
JAKIM recognises halal certification conducted by the State Islamic Religious
Councils (MAIN)/State Islamic Religious Departments (JAIN).
(b) Foreign:
As of December 2010, 51 foreign halal certification bodies have been
recognised by JAKIM. Information on these bodies and their logos may be
obtained through the halal portal at www.halal.gov.my or through a brochure
listing foreign halal certification bodies available from the Halal Hub Division
of JAKIM.
Consumers may discern these products through the logo or name of the
recognised foreign halal certification body on the product label.
The difference is as follows:
(a) Malaysian halal certification:
i. is conducted by a government-approved body;
ii. is granted based on prescribed standards and procedures;
iii. is in accordance with the relevant laws; and
iv. is constantly monitored by the responsible authorities.
(b) Private halal certification is carried out by bodies that are not
recognised by the government.
To date, there has not been any cooperation between the government and
private companies in issuing Malaysian halal certification.
No. All applications for Malaysian halal certification must be made online
through the halal portal www.halal.gov.my.
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6 Can applications from other countries be
made online?
7 What laws are applicable in Malaysian halal The following laws are applicable in Malaysian halal certification:
certification?
8 Does the use of halal logos in
advertisements require approval from
JAKIM/MAIN/JAIN?
9 Can the halal logo be printed on
catalogues/brochures/bulletins/name
cards/company letterheads, etc?
10 Is the status of foreign products that have Yes. Foreign products that have been verified as halal by JAKIM/MAIN/JAIN
been verified as halal by JAKIM/MAIN/JAIN are displayed and frequently updated on the halal portal.
displayed and updated on the halal portal?
Yes. All applications for Malaysian halal certification can be made through
the halal portal, www.halal.gov.my/international.
i. Trade Descriptions Act 1972 (Trade Descriptions Order (Use of
Expression ‘Halal') 1975) which explains the definition of ‘halal’,
preparation of halal food according to Islamic law and the offence of
falsifying raw materials and halal documents (Ministry of Domestic
Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism);
ii. Food Act 1983 (Ministry of Health) – related to labelling, hygiene
practices and food safety;
iii. Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999 [Animals Act 1953 (revised
2006), Abattoirs (Privatisation) Act 1993 and Lembaga Kemajuan
Ternakan Negara (Dissolution) Act 1983 (Veterinary Services
Department) – regarding animal husbandry, disease control etc],
Sabah Slaughter House Rules 2003;
iv. Customs Act 1967 (Prohibition of Imports 1998) – pertaining to halal
meat import/export;
v. Shariah Criminal Offences Ordinance (Sarawak) 2001, Majlis Agama
Islam Negeri Sabah Enactment 2004, State Shariah Criminal
Offences Enactment;
vi. Local Authority By-Laws;
vii. Trade Marks Act 1976; and
viii. Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984 (amended 2010)
No. However, the authority responsible for approving the advertisements
must refer to JAKIM for authentication.
No. The halal logo may be printed only on products that have obtained the
Malaysian Halal Authentication Certificate.
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11 Aside from JAKIM, are there any other Yes. There are private organisations that issue halal certification in Malaysia.
organisations that issue halal certification in
Malaysia?
12 Are the halal certificates issued by private No.
organisations recognised by JAKIM?
13 Will JAKIM impose a rule stating that only Yes;
the Malaysian halal logo issued by (a) Within the country
JAKIM/MAIN/JAIN will be recognised in JAKIM will recognise only Malaysian halal certificates issued by
Malaysia in the future? JAKIM/MAIN/JAIN. In addition, JAKIM does not recognise halal
certificates issued by private organisations in Malaysia.
(b) Abroad
JAKIM recognises the halal logos issued by 51 foreign Islamic
organisations (the full list of logos is available at the halal portal,
www.halal.gov.my).
14 Is a Halal Executive/Internal Halal According to the Manual of Malaysian Halal Certification Procedure, a Halal
Committee part of the application Executive/Internal Halal Committee is mandatory for multi-national
requirements for Malaysian halal companies and small and medium industries only. Nevertheless, small
certification? industries are encouraged to follow suit.
15 What are the responsibilities and roles of The Halal Executive/Internal Halal Committee ensures the efficient
the Halal Executive/Internal Halal implementation of the internal halal control system.
Committee?
16 In the case of foreign companies that have Yes, foreign companies that have difficulty appointing/do not have a Halal
difficulty appointing/do not have a Halal Executive/Internal Halal Committee may appoint an Islamic body that is
Executive/Internal Halal Committee, can the recognised as an external monitor/auditor.
company appoint an external party as an
external monitor/auditor?
17 Which religious edicts may be referred to in Religious edits related to halal matters may be referred to at the e-fatwa link
halal matters? at www.e-fatwa.gov.my.
18 What is the difference between the halal The Religious Exco Meeting in 1998 decided that:
certification issued by JAKIM and that 1) The scope of MAIN/JAIN halal certification covers the local market;
issued by the State Islamic Religious and
Councils/State Islamic Religious 2) The scope of JAKIM halal certification covers the federal level and
Departments? products for export.
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 (However, the Trade Descriptions Act amendments 1972 and 1975 passed
by Parliament stated that the scopes of halal certification for MAIN/JAIN and
JAKIM are the same.)
19 What are the additional conditions The additional conditions are as follows:
pertaining to the use of the Malaysian halal a) The use of the Malaysian halal logo on product labels must be
logo? accompanied by the relevant standard number according to
category (for products - MS1500:2009, cosmetics and personal
care products - MS2200: Part 1:2008) and a 10-digit company
reference number. This regulation will take effect on 1 July 2011
and will be enforced fully on 1 January 2012 (use of logo);

b) The use of halal logo stickers for food premises will be implemented
beginning 1 March 2011. Holders of the existing Malaysian Halal
Authentication Certificate will be given six months from this date to
comply with the regulation.
20 What facilities are provided by the halal Consumers may easily obtain information on products/food
directory search engine on the website, premises/companies that have acquired the Malaysian Halal Authentication
www.halal.gov.my (e.g.: premises, Certificate through the halal directory search engine by entering the desired
products)? keywords.

Example: Poultry
All information related to poultry will be listed according to category, such as
company/product/food premises/abattoir.
21 How do relevant agencies that are directly JAKIM/MAIN/JAIN welcome the involvement of relevant agencies that are
involved in the halal industry assist directly involved in the halal industry to assist them in upholding Malaysian
JAKIM/MAIN/JAIN in carrying out Malaysian halal certification at the national and international levels through various
halal certification? forms of collaboration.
22 May manufacturers fill in confidential Yes.
information on ingredients in the e-Halal The applicant needs to create a manufacturer’s account by following these
form separately from applicants? steps:
What is the procedure? i) Click on ‘Production Factory’;
ii) Click on ‘Add’ and fill in information about the factory;
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23 What is the procedure for filling in
information on product addition and renewal
in the Halal Malaysia website?
NO QUESTION
1 Is the e-Halal System Applicant’s Manual
available in other languages besides Malay?
2 What should an applicant do if he forgets his
password and username or cannot sign in to
the e-Halal system?
3 How long does it take to obtain the halal
certificate after registering online?
Foreign applications take 60 working days on condition that the applicant
adheres to all requirements and procedures of the halal certification.
4 What processes are involved throughout the Generally, the processes are:
application?
iii) Click on ‘Save’;
iv) Click on ‘Password’;
v) The ID and password window will be displayed; and
vi) The applicant must inform the manufacturer of the ID and
password to enable the manufacturer to fill in the information on
ingredients.
To fill in information on product addition:
i) Log in to your account;
ii) Click on the list of ingredients under ‘Application Information’;
iii) Click on the ‘Add’ button and enter the data in the pop-up
window, then click on ‘Save’ and ‘Close’;
iv) Click on ‘Certificate Application’ under ‘Application Information’;
v) Choose a category: new application/addition/renewal;
vi) Fill in the relevant information and then click on ‘Save’; and
vii) Click on ‘Submit this application’.
Note:
Additions and renewals must be applied for separately.
APPLICATION PROCESS
ANSWER
No. A multi-lingual applicant’s manual is still in the preparation process.
The applicant may contact the Process Unit, Halal Hub Division at 03-
83150200 to obtain a temporary password.
(Only on working days: 8.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.)
For local applications, it does not take more than 30 working days after
payment is received on condition that the applicant adheres to all
requirements and procedures of the halal certification.
1) Checking of the e-Halal form and supporting documents;
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 2) Receipt of certification fee;
3) Auditing and preparation of audit report;
4) Malaysian Halal Authentication Panel meeting; and
5) Issue of the Malaysian Halal Authentication Certificate
5 What supporting documents are required The supporting documents that must be attached are based on the following
when applying for Malaysian halal categories:
certification? Product category:
i) Copy of company registration certificate;
ii) Copy of business licence from the local authority;
iii) Company’s financial statement;
iv) Copy of identity cards & appointment letters of two Muslim Malaysian
workers in the production division;
v) Copy of product registration certificate from the National
Pharmaceutical Control Bureau for traditional medicine and health food
supplements;
vi) Copy of notification from National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau for
cosmetics and toiletries;
vii) Copy of valid halal certificate for ingredients from the State Islamic
Religious Department (JAIN) and recognised foreign Islamic body;
viii) Copy of product specifications for each ingredient;
ix) Sample of packaging label/graphic artwork for product to be certified
halal;
x) Process flow chart for each product;
xi) Location map of premises/factory; and
xii) Letter of undertaking for renewal application without change in
ingredients and suppliers

Food premises category:

i) Copy of company registration certificate;
ii) Copy of business licence from the local authority;
iii) Copy of identity cards & appointment letters of two Muslim Malaysian
cooks / food handlers for each outlet/premises/kitchen;
iv) Copy of valid halal certificate for ingredients from the State Islamic
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 Religious Department (JAIN) and recognised foreign Islamic body;
v) Copy of product specifications for each ingredient; and
vi) Location map of premises

Abattoir category:
i) Copy of company registration certificate;
ii) Copy of business licence from the local authority;
iii) Copy of import permit from the Department of Veterinary Services for
meat/animal-based products (if relevant);
iv) Copy of VHM/VHC from the Department of Veterinary Services;
v) Copy of identity cards of slaughterer, checker and supervisor;
vi) Copy of letter of accreditation for permanent slaughterer from the State
Islamic Religious Department; and
vii) Location map of abattoir
6 What raw materials are frequently the main These are the animal- and alcohol-based raw materials.
issue in complying with conditions of
Malaysian halal logo certification? (For more details, please refer to the Handbook of Halal Food Additives
published by JAKIM.)
7 What are the requirements for applications Product names/menus in foreign languages must first be translated into
involving product names/menus in foreign Malay or English by the Malaysian National Institute of Translation (ITNM).
languages?
If the translation is done by the applicant, it must be certified by the
Malaysian National Institute of Translation (ITNM).
8 Are pharmaceutical products included in the No. Pharmaceutical products are not included in the scope of Malaysian
scope of Malaysian halal certification? halal certification.
9 Are products classified as medical No, products classified as medical equipment by the Medical Device Bureau
equipment by the Medical Device Bureau of of the Ministry of Health are not included in the scope of Malaysian halal
the Ministry of Health included in the scope certification.
of Malaysian halal certification?
10 What causes an ingredient to be considered An ingredient is considered critical if it involves animal elements such as
critical? oil, fats and alcohol.
11 What are the differences between critical The differences between critical ingredients, partially critical ingredients and
ingredients, partially critical ingredients and non-critical ingredients are as follows:
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 non-critical ingredients? Critical:
i) Meat products & meat derivatives;
ii) Dairy & dairy products;
iii) Phosphate;
iv) Emulsifier;
v) Gelatine & gelatine-based products;
vi) Oil & fats;
vii) Flavour enhancer;
viii) Yeast;
ix) Surimi;
x) Improver;
xi) Stabiliser/cloudifier;
xii) Antioxidant;
xiii) Protein and its derivatives;
xiv) Amino acid;
xv) Egg white powder;
xvi) Glazing agent;
xvii) Seasoning (flavour);
xviii) Culture;
xix) Coconut cream powder;
xx) Agar powder;
xxi) Chocolate coating;
xxii) Enzymes;
xxiii) Collagen; and
xxiv) Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)

Partially Critical:
i) Vinegar;
ii) Paste/Premix/Filling/Concentrate;
iii) Sauce/ Soy sauce;
iv) Colouring;
v) Modified starch;
vi) Lecithin;
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 vii) Mee (noodles)/Kueh tiaw (flat rice noodles);
viii) Dried tofu (fu-chuk); and
ix) GDL (Glucuno-delta-lactone)

Non-Critical:
i) Natural/plant/fish/seafood;
ii) Chemicals;
iii) Natural sweetener;
iv) Essential oil;
v) Chitosan;
vi) Thickener;
vii) Texturiser;
viii) Calcium propionate;
ix) CMC (Carboxymethylcellulose);
x) Anti-foam;
xi) Anti-microbial;
xii) Vitamin C; and
xiii) Extract
12 Are self-declarations about the source of an No, self-declarations about the source of an ingredient are not accepted in
ingredient acceptable? Malaysian halal certification.
13 In the absence of a recognised halal The applicant may submit a product specification/material safety data
certificate for an ingredient, what should the sheet (MSDS)/Certificate of Analysis (COA) from a recognised laboratory.
applicant do?
14 Is information about the latest status of food Yes. The halal status is always updated as soon as the product/ food
premises/abattoirs/products/logistics on the premises/ abattoir/ logistics acquires halal authentication.
e-Halal portal regularly updated as
reference for consumers?

9 

 
 AUDITING
NO QUESTION ANSWER
1 How are products of small industries used Products of small industries may be used so long as their ingredients and
when most of them do not have halal production processes adhere to Islamic law and the Malaysian Food Act
certificates? 1983.
2 Do raw materials from non-animal sources Natural raw materials that are plant-based as mentioned do not require
such as plants, fruit, flowers and wood roots halal certification. However, if they have been processed into products, the
require halal certification? applicant must present halal certification or product specification.
3 Do raw materials from river, lake and ocean No. What is important is that the raw materials are not obtained from
sources/animals also require halalcontaminated or toxic areas and that emphasis is placed on cleanliness
certification? when processing them.
4 Can foreign raw ingredients with recognised Yes. Foreign raw ingredients with halal certificates from Islamic bodies
halal certificates from the original producing recognised by JAKIM in the original producing countries may be used to
country be accepted and used? produce Malaysian products. Meat-based products require an entry permit
from the Department of Veterinary Services.
5 How about raw ingredients made from halal Yes, if the ingredients used are not critical.
items by chefs in hotel kitchens (but with no
halal certification as to their sources)?
6 What should consumers do if it is Consumers may file a complaint with the Halal Hub Division of JAKIM either
discovered that a halal certificate displayed in writing, in person, by telephone or by e-mail.
by a food operator does not meet standards
(such as the expiry date)?
7 Can non-halal raw materials such as alcohol No. Non-halal raw materials such as alcohol cannot be kept in stores with
be kept in stores with dry halal raw dry halal raw materials.
materials?
Reference:
1. MS 1500:2009 (Clause 2.4 (f) & 3.6.1)
8 If a Muslim cook stationed in a halal kitchen Yes, it is an offence.
is unable to work and no Muslim According to the Manual of Malaysian Halal Certification Procedure, clause
replacement is available, is it an offence and 8.5.1(c): it is necessary to have at least 2 (two) or more Muslim cooks at all
will it compromise the halal certificate times.
obtained if a non-Muslim cook is temporarily
10 

 
 assigned?
9 What techniques are used to determine the Among the techniques used are:
quality and content of raw materials? 1) Visual observation;
2) Inspection of documents such as product specification, material safety
data sheet (MSDS);
3) Copy of halal certificate recognised by JAKIM/MAIN/JAIN; and
4) Laboratory tests (if necessary)
10 What other methods do JAKIM/MAIN/JAIN The company must keep monitoring and maintenance records of its
use for operators who do not calibrate their equipment.
equipment such as refrigerators to achieve
the prescribed storage temperature?
11 Can kitchenware such as crockery made Kitchenware such as crockery made from bone china cannot be used in
from bone china be used in kitchens that kitchens that have been certified as halal.
have been certified as halal?

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 MONITORING AND ENFORCEMENT
NO QUESTION ANSWER
1 What kinds of offences can JAKIM take There are 3 categories of offences:
action against? 1) Minor : a warning is issued;
2) Major : Halal Authentication Certificate is suspended; and
3) Serious: Halal Authentication Certificate is withdrawn.

Categories of Offences
The offences can be categorised as follows:-
i. Minor Offences
Technical offences for which warnings and remedial action can be
issued by monitoring officers:
1. Cleanliness of premises;
2. Cleanliness of equipment;
3. Cleanliness of workers;
4. Cleanliness of surroundings;
5. Pest control;
6. Other offences related to cleanliness and sanitisation;
7. Food handler has not had anti-typhoid vaccination;
8. Failure to present documents required by inspecting officers; and
9. Changes/ additions to ingredient producers with halal certification
without a written notification to JAKIM/MAIN/JAIN

ii. Major Offences

Technical offences that can result in the suspension of the
Malaysian Halal Authentication Certificate by inspecting officers and
must be submitted to the Halal Authentication Panel for the final
decision.
1. Changes/additions to suppliers/producers without halal
authentication from JAKIM/MAIN/JAIN;
2. Changes/additions to suppliers/producers without halal
authentication from a recognised halal certification body;
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 3. Use of the Malaysian halal logo on products that have not received
the Malaysian Halal Authentication Certificate;
4. Falsification of the halal certificate or misuse of the Malaysian halal
logo;
5. Lending/passing of an original halal authentication certificate to
other premises or companies;
6. Alteration of the information on the Malaysian Halal Authentication
Certificate;
7. Change or addition of ingredients declared in the application form
without written approval from JAKIM/ JAIN/MAIN;
8. No or fewer than two Muslim Malaysian workers in the processing
area/kitchen;
9. Use and display of a halal authentication certificate that has expired;
10. Placement of religious items in the processing area/kitchen;
11. Failure to meet any relevant Malaysian halal standards;
12. Failure to comply with a directive for remedial action for a minor
offence;
13. Failure to meet any Malaysian halal certification standards;
14. Presence of animals at the premises; and
15. Location of workers’ hostel/accommodations within the premises

iii. Serious Offences

Shariah and technical offences that can result in the withdrawal of
the Malaysian Halal Authentication Certificate by inspecting officers
and must be submitted to the Halal Authentication Panel for the final
decision.

Shariah offences: Offences against Islamic law

1. Haram status authentication by recognised religious authorities for
products/ingredients/equipment, etc;
2. Use of haram materials after obtaining a Malaysian Halal
Authentication Certificate. Mixing/storing of halal items with haram
items;
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2 If convicted of an offence, what penalty is
imposed?
3 What follow-up actions will be taken by
3. Storage of halal products with haram products;
4. Equipment used with both halal and haram materials;
5. Processing of animals that have not been slaughtered properly; and
6. Use of stunning tools that cause the animals to die or reach a near-
death state
Technical offences: Offences not against Islamic law
1. Transfer of premises/factory without notifying JAKIM/MAIN/JAIN;
2. Changes in management and company name without notifying
JAKIM/MAIN/JAIN;
3. Slaughterer and checker without certification or with expired
certification;
4. Stunning for the purpose of sedating the animals does not adhere to
prescribed standards;
5. The stunner is controlled by non-Muslim workers; and
6. Bringing in haram materials to premises or a company that has
obtained the Malaysian Halal Authentication Certificate
Use of prohibited materials prescribed under the Food Act and other
relevant laws.
If convicted of an offence, the following penalties are imposed:
Section 18 (1)
Any person including the director, manager, secretary or any other officer
committing an offence under this act shall, upon conviction, be liable for not
more than:
i. a fine of one hundred thousand ringgit (RM100,000.00) or
ii. imprisonment not exceeding three (3) years or
iii. both.
For a second or subsequent offence:
i. a fine not exceeding two hundred thousand ringgit
(RM200,000.00) or
ii. imprisonment not exceeding six (6) years or
iii. both.
If a halal certificate holder commits a major or serious offence, the certificate
14 
 JAKIM/MAIN/JAIN if a halal certificate is
suspended or withdrawn?
4 When can the company re-apply for halal The Halal Authentication Panel has the authority to prohibit the company in
certification after the suspension or
withdrawal?
5 What laws are applied by JAKIM/MAIN/JAIN In the management of halal certification by JAKIM/MAIN/JAIN, the following
in conducting halal monitoring and
enforcement?
will be withdrawn immediately and the follow-up action taken by
JAKIM/MAIN/JAIN is as follows:
a. Suspended halal certificate
An inspection notice and a suspension notice will be issued
immediately. A detailed report will be presented to the Halal
Authentication Panel.
The maximum period for feedback on the remedial action is 14 days
from the date the enforcement inspection is conducted.
b. Withdrawn halal certificate
An inspection notice and a certificate withdrawal notice will be
issued and the company will be prohibited from using the halal logo
on its products with immediate effect.
Upon approval by the Halal Authentication Panel, the withdrawal will
be announced to the public through relevant sources.
Nevertheless, the company may appeal against the suspension or
withdrawal of the halal certificate within 14 days of the date of the
inspection.
question from re-applying for a certain period such as 3 months, 6 months
and 12 months, depending on the type of offence committed.
laws and acts are applied in monitoring and enforcement:
1. Trade Descriptions Act 1972 and Trade Descriptions Order (Use of
Expression Halal) 1975 which explains the definition of ‘halal’,
preparation of halal food according to Islamic law and the offence
of falsifying raw materials and halal documents enforced by the
Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism;
2. Food Act 1983 and Food Regulations 1985 relating to labelling,
hygiene practices and food safety enforced by the Ministry of
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6 Do JAKIM officers have any legal authority
to conduct monitoring and enforcement?
7 Does enforcement concern
JAKIM/JAIN/MAIN only?
8 What methods does JAKIM use to conduct
Health;
3. Animals Act 1953 (revised 2006), Abattoirs (Privatisation) Act 1993,
Animals Rules 1962 and Animals (Importation) Order 1962 relating
to animal husbandry and disease control by the Department of
Veterinary Services;
4. Customs Act 1967, Customs (Prohibition of Import) Order 1998
concerning halal meat import by the Department of Royal
Malaysian Customs; Shariah Criminal Offences (Federal
Territories) Act 1997 – halal food labelling by the State Islamic
Religious Departments;
5. Local Government Act 1976 and Local Authority By-Laws; and
6. Trade Marks Act 1976 by the Ministry of Domestic Trade,
Cooperatives and Consumerism
Any company that violates any of the laws and acts enforced in this country
which contravene halal standards may have its halal certificate suspended or
withdrawn.
The Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism appointed
the Director of the Halal Hub Division of JAKIM, all Islamic Affairs Officers
and all Assistant Islamic Affairs Officers under the Monitoring and
Enforcement Section of the Halal Hub Division as Assistant Controllers of
Trade Descriptions under the Trade Descriptions Act 1972 with effect from 15
April 2010 through the Government Gazette of 10 June 2010.
No, enforcement actions are carried out in cooperation with relevant
agencies including the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and
Consumerism, Ministry of Health, local authorities, Department of Veterinary
Services, Customs, Royal Malaysian Police and those applying existing acts
or regulations.
JAKIM conducts spontaneous monitoring inspections in two ways:
16 
 inspections, monitoring and enforcement?
9 Can the halal logo be used before the
Malaysian Halal Authentication Certificate is
issued or used on additional products?
10 What actions does JAKIM/JAIN/MAIN take
against owners of
restaurants/premises/companies/products
using false halal logos?
11 What agencies take enforcement action
according to the Trade Descriptions Act
1972 if JAKIM has the authority only to
suspend or withdraw the halal certificate?
i. Periodic monitoring which is conducted on JAKIM halal certificate holders
at least once a year. This is scheduled monthly with priority given to
high risk companies, i.e. companies producing meat- and poultry-based
products, oil and fats, abattoirs, companies without a halal control
system, without a halal executive and Internal Halal Committee.
Monitoring inspections on such companies may take place more than
once a year. Conversely for low risk companies, monitoring is
conducted at least once a year.
ii. Public complaint monitoring which is conducted with relevant
enforcement agencies including the Ministry of Domestic Trade,
Cooperatives and Consumerism, Ministry of Health, Department of
Veterinary Services, Customs, local authorities and other agencies
deemed necessary.
The halal logo cannot be used prior to the issue of the Malaysian Halal
Authentication Certificate or for additional products even if those products
are halal according to Islamic law. If convicted of an offence, the certificate
may be suspended and action will be taken under the Trade Descriptions
Act 1972.
As the recognised bodies in halal certification management,
JAKIM/JAIN/MAIN determine the authenticity of the halal logo and
certificate. If any halal standards are violated, the Ministry of Domestic
Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism will carry out enforcement. If the
violation is committed by a holder of a halal certificate issued by
JAKIM/JAIN/MAIN, then JAKIM/JAIN/MAIN may suspend or withdraw the
certificate and the operator will not be permitted to use the halal logo.
JAKIM/MAIN/JAIN conducts monitoring and enforcement of the halal
certificate and logo together with the Ministry of Domestic Trade,
Cooperatives and Consumerism. The act applicable to halal matters is the
Trade Descriptions Act 1972 which is enforced by the Ministry of Domestic
Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism. If the JAKIM/MAIN/JAIN halal logo
is used without a certificate, the ministry may take action under Section
15(1) of the Trade Descriptions Act 1972. If the expression ‘halal’ is used
17 

12 Is the media allowed to participate in raids
conducted by the Halal Monitoring and
Enforcement Unit?
but non-halal products/materials/items are sold, action may be taken under
the Trade Descriptions (Use of the Expression ‘Halal’) Order 1975.
No. Raids involve only the Halal Monitoring and Enforcement Section and the
relevant enforcement agencies.
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 CATEGORY: PRODUCTS
MALAYSIAN HALAL CERTIFICATION
NO QUESTION ANSWER
1 Is the Malaysian halal certificate required to The Malaysian halal certificate is not required to import halal products from
import products from abroad? abroad. However, the following criteria must be met:
1) Imported products that have obtained halal authentication from a foreign
halal certification body recognised by JAKIM may use that body’s halal logo
and certificate.

2) Imported products that have obtained halal authentication through

company representatives in Malaysia may use the Malaysian halal logo and
certificate for the Malaysian market.

3) Meat products and derivatives must obtain prior importation approval from
the Department of Veterinary Services of Malaysia.
2 Are applications for halal certification No. Malaysian halal certification is open to all interested parties.
mandatory for all cosmetics companies?

APPLICATION PROCESS
NO QUESTION ANSWER
1 What are the fees charged for product The fees for product categories are as listed below:
categories? i) Small industry: RM200 for two years
ii) Small and medium industry: RM800 for two years
iii) Multi-national: RM1400 for two years
2 What is meant by a letter of undertaking? A letter of undertaking is a letter from the applicant declaring that the renewal
of products submitted does not involve any changes in ingredients or
suppliers.
3 Do original equipment manufacturers (OEM) Yes.
also need the Malaysian Halal
Authentication Certificate?
4 May all factories under a single No. Each factory must apply separately.
management/owner submit only one
application?
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5 May factories that produce both halal and
non-halal products apply for Malaysian halal
certification?
6 What is the application procedure for foreign
products that are repackaged in Malaysia?
7 What is the process for obtaining a
Malaysian halal certificate for a company
operating abroad?
8 How long does it take to process
applications for foreign halal certification?
9 Is it necessary for cosmetics companies to
present a GMP Certificate when applying for
halal certification?
10 What costs are incurred by foreign
companies in order to obtain Malaysian
halal certification?
No.
The procedure is the same as a normal application. It is compulsory to
attach a copy of the product’s Halal Authentication Certificate from a
recognised halal certification body.
Applications for Malaysian halal certification from abroad must fulfil the
following requirements:
1. The applicant must have a company/company representative in
Malaysia;
2. The foreign application is only for non-meat-based products;
3. The product applied for is for the Malaysian market and distribution to
foreign markets must be done through the company representative in
Malaysia;
4. The manufacturer must appoint two Muslim workers in the production
division or form a halal committee consisting of a recognised Islamic
body;
5. The fee rates are as follows:
i) ASEAN countries: RM2100 for each factory
ii) Non-ASEAN countries: USD2100 for each factory
Applications take three months to approve.
No, cosmetics companies do not need to present a GMP Certificate when
applying for halal certification.
The costs incurred by the company are:
1) Flight, accommodation and transport costs in the country in question
excluding food/beverages
2) Business class seats for two shariah and technical auditors on a flight
exceeding 5 hours
3) Visas for the shariah and technical auditors to be arranged by the
applicant
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NO QUESTION
1 Can meat-based (not pork) products without
halal certification be stored in the same
freezer or chiller?
2 Who is responsible for conducting
traceability for halal products?
3 Is product specification required for partially
critical ingredients that do not involve
animal-based ingredients such as canned
mushrooms?
AUDITING
ANSWER
No, because this may cause confusion among the applicant and auditors as
to the products’ halal status.
Applicants are responsible for conducting traceability for their products.
Applicants may attach the product specifications or a flow chart of the product
from the producer.

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 CATEGORY: PREMISES
APPLICATION PROCESS
NO QUESTION ANSWER
1 What is the fee charged for the food The fee for food premises is RM200 per kitchen or outlet for a period of two
premises category? years.

2 If a hotel has more than one kitchen, can Yes. This is subject to regulations prescribed by state religious authorities.
the hotel apply for only some of the
kitchens?
3 Are butcheries and cold kitchens under the Yes.
food premises/hotel category required to
apply for halal certification?

AUDITING
NO QUESTION ANSWER
1 Can a hotel display a copy of a food No.
supplier’s halal certificate recognised by
JAKIM to convince users of the premises’
halal status?
2 Can an application be made for halal For hotels, they must be done separately.
certification for a kitchen to be incorporated
For other food premises, applications for halal certification specifically refer to
in the halal certificate for a restaurant? restaurants with kitchens.
3 Is it necessary to have a special loading bay
Yes. It is necessary to have a special loading bay for handling non-halal raw
for handling non-halal raw materials such asmaterials such as alcohol and pork.
alcohol and pork? Reference:
1. MS 1500:2009 (Clause 3.2.2)
2. MS 2400:2008
3. Manual of Malaysian Halal Certification Procedure
4 What is an effective way of preventing The hotel must put in place an effective halal control system that
possible contamination from non-halal raw encompasses action to be taken should contamination occur.
materials if a hotel is unable to provide a
special loading bay?

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5 Is it necessary to have a ‘special
passageway’ and ‘special lift’ for non-halal
items such as alcohol or pork?
6 Does JAKIM provide any specific guidelines
on kitchen layouts at hotels to facilitate the
hotels’ fulfilment of halal certification
requirements?
7 In a store, alcohol is stored in a corner
where a wall has been built with its own
door to separate the alcohol from raw
materials. Is this storage method
acceptable?
8 Is food prepared in a hotel kitchen with halal
certification and brought to a guest’s room
via a worship area on a certain floor/level
still considered halal?
9 Can glasses for alcohol be washed with the
dish washer used for glasses from the halal
kitchen?
10 Is it necessary to set boundaries between
workers and support equipment such as
maintenance and safety control for food in
halal and non-halal kitchens?
11 If non-conformance is discovered during a
field audit, what measures should the
applicant take?
Yes. Nevertheless, the hotel must put in place an effective halal control
system that encompasses action to be taken to prevent contamination.
JAKIM/JAIN/MAIN does not provide any specific guidelines on kitchen
layouts at hotels.
Yes.
Yes.
For halal certification purposes, religious items should not be placed within
the processing area (from the loading bay to the served food).
Yes, if only to rinse the glasses.
Nevertheless, it would be better to provide separate dish washers for halal
kitchens and non-halal kitchens.
Yes, depending on the ability of the hotel/company management to prevent
contamination.
The applicant must take remedial action within the suspension period which
is dependent on the category of non-conformance:
1) Minor non-conformance:
The suspension period is 2 weeks (maximum).
If the directive is not adhered to, the application is deemed to have
failed.
2) Major non-conformance:
The suspension period is 1 to 6 months (maximum). If the directive is
not adhered to, the application is deemed to have failed.
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