Jakim urged to withdraw halal certs of dirty eateries

Muslim group says it is "haram" to sell dirty food in an unhygienic environment to patrons.

PETALING JAYA: The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) has been urged to withdraw the halal certificates of restaurants that are unhygienic.

In making this call, Pertubuhan Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah Malaysia (Aswaja) President Zamihan Mat Zin said it was “haram”(prohibited) to sell unhygienic food in a dirty environment to members of the public.

“Jakim should revoke the halal certification of such restaurants as it can cause illnesses,” he told FMT.

He said the Health Ministry should also withdraw the operating licence and seal off restaurants which do not adhere to hygienic standards.

A previous FMT survey had revealed that consumers unanimously boycott restaurants which overcharge and do not maintain cleanliness.

Meanwhile, Muslim Consumers Association Malaysia (PPIM) Chief Activist Nadzim Johan stressed on the importance of understanding the “concept of halal”.

“It is a concept that we all should understand. Even ordinary food that you take in huge quantities is bad for you.

“In the end, it is up to Jakim to decide whether or not the restaurant is in compliance with its requirements, whether it is clean or anything else.

“The most important thing is that they have to be fair in awarding and withdrawing the halal certificates,” he told FMT.