What Makes Malaysia’s JAKIM Halal Certification the Most Powerful in the Halal Industry: All You Need to Know

When it comes to halal product certification in Malaysia, JAKIM (the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia) is more than just a regulatory body. It symbolizes trustworthiness and global acceptance in the industry requirements for halal products worldwide. 

Many people regard JAKIM's halal certification as the norm that other certifying bodies around the world strive to meet because of its high standards and reputation for quality in the sector. 

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Also read: 10 Halal Snacks in Malaysia Everyone Should Try!

Decoding the definition of halal in Malaysia

According to Malaysian regulations on food standards and practices related to laws, "halal" refers to food that complies with Islamic dietary guidelines contained in the Trade Descriptions. This order requires that halal cuisine meet criteria such as:

• Ensure that any animal parts not permitted in teachings, as well as those not cooked in accordance with Islamic customs, are removed from the list.

• When preparing or storing your items, avoid coming into contact with any materials.

• Remove any contaminants or alcohol that may be hazardous to your health and well-being.

Halal food in Malaysia extends beyond avoiding pork and alcohol; it represents purity and integrity, as reflected in JAKIM's principles, which build faith in customers by upholding severe halal criteria through rigorous examination and measures.  

Who can apply for halal certification?

JAKIM's halal certification covers more than only restaurants and food products. It encompasses a wide spectrum of industries and services, resulting in a robust halal ecosystem. Here are the eight company types that can apply for JAKIM certification:

• Dining establishments

• Products related to food and beverages

• Beauty products

• Medicinal products

• Logistics services

• Abattoirs or slaughterhouses

• Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM)

• Healthcare instruments

Requirements for JAKIM halal certification

JAKIM imposes stringent criteria for businesses seeking halal certification. Eligibility encompasses more than just steering clear of specific products; it involves fulfilling a variety of legal and operational criteria:

• Business License: Every applicant is required to possess a valid business registration.

• Clear Branding: Companies should avoid using terms in their name, brand, or menu that might mislead consumers into believing that non-halal products are halal (e.g. “ham” or “bacon”).

• Minimum Operational Duration: New businesses are required to have been in operation for a minimum of 3 months prior to applying, while businesses that have recently relocated must have been operating for at least 1 month.

• Only Halal: Businesses are required to exclusively manage or create products that are halal certified. Every menu item or product is required to be submitted for certification.

If a business does not fulfil these criteria—such as providing non-halal items or featuring smoking or entertainment areas—they will be ineligible for certification.

How to obtain a halal certificate from JAKIM?

Obtaining a halal certification from JAKIM is more than just filling out documents. The Malaysian Halal Certification Procedure Manual (Domestic) 2020 includes around 14 procedures that enterprises must follow, ranging from raw materials to transportation. Here are the key requirements for Food Businesses.

• Ingredient Purity & Source Verification: Raw ingredients must be halal verified and contamination-free.

• Dedicated Equipment: Equipment must be clean and free of impure contaminants.

• Employee Welfare and Training: Food handlers must be anti-typhoid vaccinated and trained at Health Ministry-approved institutes.

• Central Kitchens and Franchise Outlets: Halal certification is required for both central kitchens and franchise outlets to ensure consistency throughout operations.

• Halal Supervisors: During each shift, at least one full-time Malaysian Muslim employee must be present and supervised by a halal compliance officer.

Costs and timelines for JAKIM halal certification

Cost and time are the two significant barriers that firms face when applying for certification. Good news: JAKIM has a very reasonable cost structure, ranging from RM100 for small businesses to RM1,000 for large organizations. 

This aims to make halal certification available to all enterprises, from street vendors to global corporations.

JAKIM has also decreased the application timeline from 60 to 23 days. This is to encourage more businesses to adopt halal while still doing thorough inspections and checks.

Addressing certification challenges for fast food and small vendors

The regulations imposed by JAKIM apply even to long-standing fast-food franchises. Each new outlet must go through a separate halal certification process. This is to verify that all outlets satisfy JAKIM criteria, even if the entire chain is already accredited.

The requirement to have at least one Malaysian Muslim worker in the food preparation area makes it difficult for micro-businesses, especially for tiny vendors that work alone or with a small workforce.

Experts have proposed establishing specialized premises, such as those maintained by Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), where micro-vendors can share facilities and collectively hire halal supervisors. Such methods would allow more small enterprises to meet halal rules without incurring increased manpower expenditures.

What sets JAKIM’s halal certification apart?

There are several reasons why the halal certification that JAKIM offers garners great weight:

• Comprehensive Coverage: JAKIM considers the entire process, from sourcing and storage to preparation and packaging. This thorough strategy assures that no stage in the supply chain jeopardizes halal purity.

• Global Recognition and Acceptance: With many Muslim-majority nations accepting JAKIM's accreditation, Malaysian firms can develop globally.

• Consistency and Transparency: Regular audits and checks ensure consistency, while transparent criteria give organizations a clear path to maintaining their accreditation.

• Strong Consumer Trust: JAKIM certification ensures that the product is safe, ethical, and follows Islamic standards. 

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Also read: 7 Halal Chinese Restaurants in KL, Malaysia

Wrapping up

The reason JAKIM is regarded as the benchmark for halal certification globally is due to its meticulous process and meticulous attention to detail. 

For businesses, getting JAKIM’s halal certification goes beyond fulfilling a religious obligation—it enhances credibility, opens up market opportunities, and builds consumer trust. And for buyers, it means they can relax and savour their favourite foods and meals.

The next time you spot the JAKIM halal logo, you will know that it signifies more than just compliance; it stands for integrity and excellence in the halal industry.