Jakim has No External Consultants To Handle Halal Certification

The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) announced that it has never authorized any external consultant to handle halal certificate applications. Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Mujahid Yusof Rawa stated that individuals falsely presenting themselves as Jakim consultants might be responsible for corruption and delays. He mentioned cases where applicants waited up to a year, only to find they had interacted with unrecognized agents. All halal certification processes must be done online, directly through Jakim’s system, ensuring transparency and standardized procedures.

Dr. Mujahid emphasized that Jakim does not engage in face-to-face applications; the process involves an online form submission, followed by verification. If any discrepancies arise, only then will Jakim contact the applicant for clarification. Strict measures are enforced to prevent bribery or misconduct within the department, and any Jakim staff found guilty of corruption will face legal action.

This clarification was made in response to the “Malaysia Halal Crisis” article published by Asia Sentinel on October 10. The article accused Jakim officers of integrity and competency issues in the certification process, including asking for payments for registering meat-processing premises. Dr. Mujahid dismissed these claims, highlighting Jakim’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the halal certification system.

The Malaysian Halal Inclusion Roundtable, attended by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, discussed strategies to improve the halal certification process and uphold its credibility. Dr. Mujahid reiterated that Jakim’s priority is to streamline the halal application process while ensuring compliance with Islamic principles and Malaysian standards. In cases of corruption, he assured that the department would thoroughly investigate and penalize any Jakim staff involved.

To enhance public trust, Jakim is actively working to increase transparency in the certification process, educating stakeholders about online applications to prevent them from falling prey to false agents. Additionally, it continues to implement measures to further streamline applications, reduce waiting times, and safeguard the integrity of halal certification in Malaysia.