Exco: Businesses for non-Muslims exempt from Kelantan halal requirement

 

The mandatory halal certification policy for food and beverage businesses in Kelantan is not applicable to those that only cater to non-Muslim customers, according to a report.

The certification is only a requirement for premises that also serve Muslim customers, as a condition for securing a permanent business licence.

The report by the New Straits Times today quoted Kelantan exco member on Local Government, Housing, Health, and Environment Hilmi Abdullah clarifying this, following an earlier report about the policy being expanded from Kota Bharu to becoming statewide.

He reportedly said the policy had not been rushed.

Instead, it was first approved by the Kelantan executive council in 2016 and refined by the Local Government, Housing, and Health Committee in 2020.

“Since 2020, owners of seven specific types of business premises in Kelantan have been notified of the decision through their local authorities. They were encouraged to apply for the halal certification, though it is not mandatory,” he was quoted as saying.

The implementation of this policy started with the Kota Bharu Municipal Council early this year, he said, with the aim of protecting the interest of Kelatan’s Muslims who comprise 95 percent of the state’s population.

He also reportedly assured that non-halal products such as pork dishes can still be sold at non-Muslim premises.

Backlash

On Thursday, the Kelantan Islamic Development, Proselytisation, Information, and Public Relations executive councillor Mohd Asri Mat Daud was reported saying that food and beverage businesses statewide will be required to have halal certification to renew their business licence.

Sinar Harian quoted him as saying that the policy is already in force in Kota Bharu and will be expanded to other local authorities in the state.

Following backlash, Gerakan president Dominic Lau said he has contacted Asri and was informed that the regulation specifically targets Muslim food operators and non-Muslim operators already holding halal certification.

Gerakan president Dominic Lau

However, not all were satisfied with the policy.

The Small and Medium Enterprises Association Malaysia called it an additional layer of burden and costs to businesses and urged the government to reconsider.

Meanwhile, Kwongwah Yitpoh quoted DAP chairperson Lim Guan Eng saying that the explanation should come from an exco member and not Lau.

“It doesn’t count if it comes from Lau, it counts if it comes from an exco member.” - Mkini