Latest news with #DepartmentofIslamicDevelopmentMalaysia
Barnama
11 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
Halal Auditors Must Be Fair And Integrity-Driven - Mohd Na'im
BANGI, July 29 (Bernama) – The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, has called on halal auditors to carry out their responsibilities with full integrity and fairness, regardless of the background or size of the company. Speaking to reporters after officiating the Malaysian Auditor Convention 2025, he emphasised the important role auditors play as the front line in ensuring compliance with halal standards. Any negligence or unfairness could tarnish the image of Islam and religious institutions. 'Fairness must be upheld without differentiating the position of applicants seeking halal certification. This is the role that needs to be fulfilled. 'I stress the issue of halal sustenance (avoiding involvement in corruption or abuse of power),' he said. He highlighted that justice should be the key principle in the auditing process, including rejecting any form of bribery or preferential treatment towards companies based on their brand or status. 'Sometimes, it's not directly requested, but we make things difficult for applicants, leading them to believe auditors expect rewards. Intentions must be correct. Do not accept any form of gifts from halal certificate applicants,' he added. He also reminded the over 300 auditors certified by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) to maintain ethical standards and protect the reputation of the institution to strengthen efforts to ensure halal sustenance. 'Never get involved in accepting any form of gift from companies seeking halal certification. I hope this principle is instilled in all 300 auditors who received certification today,' he added. The inaugural convention organised by JAKIM gathered 200 halal auditors from across the country, with the theme 'Halal Malaysia, A Catalyst for MADANI Economy.'
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Zafrul: Halal certification a 'red line' in US trade talks
KUALA LUMPUR: Halal certification is one of Malaysia's non-negotiable issues, or "red lines", in ongoing trade discussions with the United States. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said several discussions with the relevant ministries and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) on the recognition of halal certificates issued by the US have also been conducted. Any agreement on the matter, he said, must be in line with Jakim's standards. "The issue of halal certification is also one of our red lines, for example, the recognition of halal certificates from the US. "Guidelines have been developed based on past experience and in consultation with the US. "If they follow Jakim's requirements and maintain similar standards to those adopted in other countries, then we can consider accepting them. But the recognition must come from Jakim," he said during the question and answer session in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. Tengku Zafrul was responding to a supplementary question from Mohd Syahir Che Sulaiman (PN-Bachok), who asked for further clarification on the red lines outlined by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on tariffs imposed by the US. Anwar had said Malaysia will not compromise on its national policies in trade negotiations, even as discussions with the US on proposed tariffs continue. He said the government had drawn a clear red line to protect its policies, including those that provide opportunities for local companies and uphold the Bumiputera agenda. Commenting further, Tengku Zafrul said Malaysia will remain firm in defending its core economic policies, not only with the US but also with international companies. He said such a principle is essential to protect Bumiputera interests and to ensure the country's economic development remains balanced. "While we maintain a proactive and open stance in negotiations, we have also identified the red lines, non-negotiable issues, which were recently agreed upon at the cabinet level," he said. He also cited the National Trade Estimate Report released by the US, which highlighted several Malaysian policies, including local equity requirements in government procurement as trade barriers. "They raised concerns over Malaysia's government procurement policies and local equity requirements, which they argue affect market access. They also said their market is open, so why isn't ours? "Intellectual property protection is also a recurring agenda item in efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation. "As such, we must stand firm in defending our key policies, including those related to ownership, procurement, and the sovereignty of our trade policies."
The Sun
22-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
JAKIM investigates hospital catering firm without halal certification
NILAI: The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) is investigating the appointment of a catering company without halal certification to supply meals at a hospital. Director-General Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee stated that JAKIM is gathering detailed information to address the issue collaboratively. Sirajuddin clarified that JAKIM only became aware of the matter after it was highlighted in the Auditor-General's Report. He emphasised that the Ministry of Finance requires all food suppliers to have halal certification and urged agencies to verify certification before appointing vendors. JAKIM is prepared to assist companies in obtaining halal certification. Sirajuddin also noted that some Bumiputera businesses mistakenly believe their Muslim status exempts them from certification, stressing the need for mindset change. Last year, JAKIM received 19,686 halal certification applications, with a majority from non-Bumiputera firms. Sirajuddin highlighted Malaysia's global halal recognition, with certification accepted in 47 countries through 85 foreign bodies. - Bernama
New Straits Times
22-07-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Jakim to probe hospital food contract awarded to company without halal certification
SUNGAI PETANI: Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar has instructed the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) to look into the award of a hospital catering contract to a company without halal certification. This follows findings in the Auditor General's Report 2/2025 that a three-year, RM25.64 million contract to supply halal food at Canselor Tuanku Muhriz Hospital in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, had been awarded to a company not certified as halal by Jakim. (hyperlink: "I have already instructed the Jakim director-general (Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee) to look into the issue, and he will brief me accordingly," Na'im told reporters after visiting accident victim Mohd Lutfi Radzi and his family here today. The minister declined to comment further, saying he would await a full report from Jakim. The Auditor General's report stated that the company had secured the tender to supply halal food for the hospital's patients from Feb 2024 to Feb 2027 despite lacking certification from Jakim at the time of the award. The report added the company intended to streamline the halal status of its central kitchen, which had previously obtained Jakim certification. Meanwhile, during the visit, Na'im presented RM10,000 in financial aid to Lutfi and his family, who were involved in the tragic crash involving their car and a bus along Km53 of the East-West Highway (Jalan Raya Timur-Barat) in Gerik, Perak on June 9. The crash killed 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students on board the bus and injured 33 others including Lutfi and his family. (hyperlink:) The assistance was channelled under the Madani Peduli initiative, through contributions from Jakim and two agencies under the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department. "This programme has provided much-needed relief for Lutfi, 37, his wife, Nurul Ain Zakaria, 36, and two children who were all injured in the accident," Na'im said. Lutfi sustained minor injuries to his chest and shoulder, while his wife suffered five broken ribs. Their eldest child, Nur Aisyah Nafisah, fractured her kneecap, and their youngest, Muhammad Ahsan Nafis, sustained bruises and minor cuts to his head and body.
Barnama
22-07-2025
- Health
- Barnama
JAKIM Ordered To Probe Case Of Hospital Food Caterer Without Halal Certificate – Mohd Na'im
SUNGAI PETANI, July 22 (Bernama) -- The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) has been instructed to carry out a detailed investigation into the appointment of a catering company without a Halal Certificate to supply food at a government hospital. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said he was unable to comment further on the matter for the time being. 'I have instructed the JAKIM director-general to look into the issue, and he will report back to me. I cannot respond until I receive his report,' he told reporters after the 'Ziarah MADANI Peduli' programme here today. At the programme in Bukit Banyan here today, he presented an RM10,000 contribution to Mohd Lutfi Radzi, who was injured in the recent bus crash on the East-West Highway (JRTB) in Gerik, Perak. Yesterday, the Auditor-General's Report (LKAN) 2/2025 revealed that Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM (HCTM) had awarded a catering contract worth RM25.64 million to a company identified as 0267299-T. The company, allegedly without a Halal Certificate, was awarded the contract to supply food to patients at the hospital for three years, starting February 2024. Earlier, Mohd Na'im visited Mohd Lutfi, 37, his wife Nurul Ain Zakaria, 36, and their two children. They were the driver and passengers of a Perodua Alza car involved in the June 9 JRTB crash and had sustained injuries. Meanwhile, when met by reporters, Mohd Lutfi expressed gratitude to all Malaysians who had continuously prayed for their recovery and appreciated the assistance of police, firemen and healthcare personnel. 'Our condition has improved a lot. My wife, who fractured her ribs, is still on medical leave, and our child with the fractured thigh is already able to move independently,' he said.
