Latest news with #MalaysianHalalCertification
The Sun
19 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
JAIS prohibits ‘No Pork No Lard' signs for uncertified eataries
THE Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) has issued a stern warning against food establishments using misleading halal-related terminology without proper certification, emphasising that popular phrases like 'No pork no lard' are strictly prohibited for non-certified businesses. Through an educational video titled 'Halal is not only exterior' posted on their official Facebook page, JAIS clarified that establishments lacking the Malaysian Halal Certification (SPHM) are completely banned from using terms such as 'Muslim Friendly' or 'No pork no lard' in their marketing or signage. The religious authority explained that such terminology creates false impressions about food and service standards compliance with halal requirements, despite lacking official verification from authorised bodies. 'These phrases give the impression that the food or services have followed halal standards. However, without a valid halal certificate from the authorities, there is no guarantee that the products or services meet halal requirements, including aspects of raw materials, processing, and cleanliness,' JAIS stated in their informational video. The department referenced the Trade Descriptions Act 2011 as the legal framework prohibiting any terminology or labeling that could mislead consumers about product authenticity or compliance standards. Under current regulations, only businesses holding valid SPHM certificates are legally permitted to use halal-related marketing terms or claims about their food preparation methods. JAIS emphasised that the commonly seen 'No pork no lard' phrase addresses only the absence of pork products in food items, while completely ignoring other critical halal compliance factors including alcohol content, cross-contamination risks, and the use of non-halal gelatin sources. 'The phrase 'No pork no lard' only emphasises the absence of pork in a product or food, but does not emphasize other ingredients such as alcohol, cross-contamination, or non-halal gelatin,' the department explained. The religious authority warned that unauthorised use of such terminology by non-SPHM holders constitutes a regulatory violation that can create consumer confusion about actual halal compliance status. This clarification comes amid widespread use of 'Muslim-friendly' marketing by food establishments across Malaysia, many of which operate without official halal certification while attempting to attract Muslim customers through ambiguous labeling practices. JAIS's stance reinforces the importance of proper halal certification processes and emphasizes that genuine halal compliance extends far beyond simply avoiding pork and lard ingredients. The department's educational initiative aims to increase public awareness about legitimate halal certification requirements and help consumers make informed decisions when choosing food establishments. Food businesses seeking to serve Muslim customers are encouraged to pursue official SPHM certification through proper channels rather than relying on potentially misleading terminology that could result in regulatory penalties.
The Sun
19 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
JAIS prohibits ‘No Pork No Lard' signs for uncertified shops
THE Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) has issued a stern warning against food establishments using misleading halal-related terminology without proper certification, emphasising that popular phrases like 'No pork no lard' are strictly prohibited for non-certified businesses. Through an educational video titled 'Halal is not only exterior' posted on their official Facebook page, JAIS clarified that establishments lacking the Malaysian Halal Certification (SPHM) are completely banned from using terms such as 'Muslim Friendly' or 'No pork no lard' in their marketing or signage. The religious authority explained that such terminology creates false impressions about food and service standards compliance with halal requirements, despite lacking official verification from authorised bodies. 'These phrases give the impression that the food or services have followed halal standards. However, without a valid halal certificate from the authorities, there is no guarantee that the products or services meet halal requirements, including aspects of raw materials, processing, and cleanliness,' JAIS stated in their informational video. The department referenced the Trade Descriptions Act 2011 as the legal framework prohibiting any terminology or labeling that could mislead consumers about product authenticity or compliance standards. Under current regulations, only businesses holding valid SPHM certificates are legally permitted to use halal-related marketing terms or claims about their food preparation methods. JAIS emphasised that the commonly seen 'No pork no lard' phrase addresses only the absence of pork products in food items, while completely ignoring other critical halal compliance factors including alcohol content, cross-contamination risks, and the use of non-halal gelatin sources. 'The phrase 'No pork no lard' only emphasises the absence of pork in a product or food, but does not emphasize other ingredients such as alcohol, cross-contamination, or non-halal gelatin,' the department explained. The religious authority warned that unauthorised use of such terminology by non-SPHM holders constitutes a regulatory violation that can create consumer confusion about actual halal compliance status. This clarification comes amid widespread use of 'Muslim-friendly' marketing by food establishments across Malaysia, many of which operate without official halal certification while attempting to attract Muslim customers through ambiguous labeling practices. JAIS's stance reinforces the importance of proper halal certification processes and emphasizes that genuine halal compliance extends far beyond simply avoiding pork and lard ingredients. The department's educational initiative aims to increase public awareness about legitimate halal certification requirements and help consumers make informed decisions when choosing food establishments. Food businesses seeking to serve Muslim customers are encouraged to pursue official SPHM certification through proper channels rather than relying on potentially misleading terminology that could result in regulatory penalties.
Daily Express
4 days ago
- General
- Daily Express
‘No pork, no lard' not proof of halal status: Jais
Published on: Friday, August 15, 2025 Published on: Fri, Aug 15, 2025 Text Size: For illustrative purposes only. KUALA LUMPUR: The phrase 'No pork, no lard' displayed at some eateries does not necessarily mean the food is halal, and cannot be used arbitrarily, according to Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais), Sinar Harian reported.. Jais said terms such as 'Muslim friendly' or 'No pork, no lard' are strictly prohibited for any party without a Malaysian Halal Certification (SPHM). Jais said such phrases may give the impression that food or services comply with halal standards, when in reality, without valid halal certification, there is no guarantee they meet requirements relating to ingredients, preparation, and cleanliness. The explanation was made in a recent Jais social media video titled 'Penggunaan 'Muslim Friendly' salah?', which highlighted the importance of clear and accurate labelling for consumers. Under the Trade Descriptions Act 2011, it is illegal to use any term or label that may mislead the public, Jais added. Only SPHM holders are allowed to use these terms, as 'No pork, no lard' merely indicates the absence of pork but does not address other non-halal elements such as alcohol, cross-contamination, or non-halal gelatin. Jais reminded that misuse of these phrases by non-certificate holders can cause confusion among consumers and breach existing regulations. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Sun
01-08-2025
- Business
- The Sun
i-Mesra platform supports halal certification, says deputy minister
KUALA LUMPUR: The i-Mesra digital platform, designed as a pre-halal reference for entrepreneurs under the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW), does not conflict with the Malaysian Halal Certification issued by JAKIM, said Deputy Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang. She explained that the platform serves as a facilitator, integrating JAKIM's guidelines to align with federal halal certification procedures. 'The i-Mesra system incorporates JAKIM's requirements, ensuring most KKDW products meet halal certification standards,' she told reporters after launching i-Mesra at the 2025 Mega 3D Carnival (MK3D 2025). When asked about Selangor's rejection of i-Mesra, Rubiah stated that KKDW respects the decision but remains open to discussions. 'Selangor's preference for an alternative system is not an issue. Our priority is providing entrepreneurs with a tool to speed up halal certification,' she added. KKDW adopted i-Mesra after its introduction by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, finding it user-friendly for entrepreneurs. Last week, reports indicated Selangor refused i-Mesra as a halal verification platform, citing better alternatives. Earlier, Rubiah witnessed a cooperation agreement between Ketengah and Koperasi Peserta-Peserta Felcra Malaysia Berhad. She also received a Malaysia Book of Records certificate for MK3D 2025 as the Largest Entrepreneurship Fair. MK3D 2025 combines three major entrepreneurship programmes, featuring over 1,000 entrepreneurs and 882 booths nationwide. - Bernama
The Star
09-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Halal cert applications now fully digital
PUTRAJAYA: All applications for the Malaysian Halal Certification (SPHM) are now being processed electronically, effective May 5, as part of efforts to meet growing industry demand. Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee said successful applicants will receive digital certificates (e-Certs) via the MYeHALAL platform, which they can print on their own if needed. The move, part of a broader public sector digitalisation drive, aims to streamline service delivery and reduce bureaucratic delays, he said in a statement yesterday. However, companies requiring a physical certificate must submit a formal request and will be subject to a fee. 'Printed certificates will be considered reprints and charged in accordance with Clause 13 of the Malaysian Halal Certification Procedure Manual (Domestic) 2020,' Sirajuddin said, Bernama reported. He added that the digitisation of the halal certification process is intended to enhance service efficiency by fostering innovation and empowering human capital.
