Why JAKIM Urges Muslims to Choose Restaurants with Valid Halal Certificates

Why Are Valid Halal Certificates So Important?

Halal certification goes beyond just the absence of pork and alcohol. It ensures that the entire process—from food sourcing, handling, and preparation—complies with Islamic principles. Without a valid halal certificate, there’s no guarantee that an establishment adheres to these stringent requirements. JAKIM, as the primary body responsible for halal certification in Malaysia, takes this very seriously.

In fact, JAKIM has been conducting regular operations, such as “Ops Bufet Ramadan,” to inspect restaurants using halal-related terms without certification. Establishments that advertise themselves as “halal” without valid certification risk facing legal action under the Trade Descriptions Act 2011​

The Growing Importance of Halal Certification in Malaysia

Halal food isn’t just a religious requirement—it’s a booming industry. With the global halal market projected to reach $2.3 trillion by 2027, halal certification has become a hallmark of trust, not only in Muslim-majority countries but worldwide. Malaysia, as a leader in this field, has set rigorous standards that other nations look to when developing their own halal certification processes.

In Malaysia, JAKIM’s halal certification is seen as the gold standard, assuring consumers that their food meets the highest Islamic dietary guidelines. This certification covers the entire supply chain, from the sourcing of ingredients to storage and handling, making it a vital marker for food safety and religious compliance​

How to Ensure Your Restaurant of Choice is Certified Halal

Muslims who want to make sure they’re eating at halal-certified restaurants can turn to platforms like the Halal Malaysia Portal, where they can verify the status of restaurants and food chains. This tool is especially useful given recent controversies over popular restaurant chains not possessing official halal certification​

For example, in 2024, JAKIM confirmed that five well-known restaurant chains—including Dolly Dim Sum and Johnny’s Restaurant—did not have valid halal certification at some of their branches. This sparked public concern and heightened awareness about the importance of verifying a restaurant’s halal status before dining there​

What Does the Halal Certification Process Involve?

The process of obtaining a halal certificate from JAKIM is rigorous. Restaurants and food manufacturers must go through multiple steps, starting with an application and an inspection to ensure they meet all the necessary halal standards. This includes everything from the ingredients they use to their food preparation methods.

The certification process is not just about the food itself—it also ensures that equipment, storage facilities, and even the staff handling the food are in compliance with halal standards. For restaurants, this can be a costly and time-consuming process, but the benefits far outweigh the challenges. A JAKIM-certified halal establishment gains the trust of Muslim consumers, opening doors to a larger customer base​

The Push for Mandatory Halal Certification

JAKIM is also considering making halal certification mandatory for all food establishments, particularly those that cater to Muslim customers but do not serve pork or alcohol. While halal certification is currently voluntary, this move could significantly impact the Malaysian food industry by ensuring that all restaurants catering to Muslims are certified​

This proposal has sparked debate, especially among non-Muslim-owned establishments, about the feasibility and necessity of mandatory certification. However, for Muslim consumers, this would offer greater transparency and assurance when dining out, particularly in a country like Malaysia where halal food is an integral part of everyday life​

What Should Consumers Look Out for When Choosing a Restaurant?

Given the growing scrutiny around halal certification, it’s important for Muslim consumers to be proactive. Here are a few tips to ensure you’re dining at a halal-certified establishment:

• Check for JAKIM certification: Look for the official halal logo on display at the restaurant or verify its status online using the Halal Malaysia Portal.
• Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to ask restaurant staff about their halal certification, especially if you have doubts about their compliance.
• Stay updated: Follow news and updates from JAKIM or local Islamic authorities to stay informed about which establishments are certified and which are not.

The Global Impact of Halal Certification

Malaysia’s leadership in halal certification extends far beyond its borders. JAKIM’s standards are recognized globally, and many international companies seek its certification to gain access to the Muslim market. This has boosted Malaysia’s reputation as a key player in the global halal food industry, with countries like the UK and Australia adopting similar certification practices.

As the demand for halal products continues to rise globally, we can expect Malaysia’s influence in the halal industry to grow even further, reinforcing the need for robust halal certification systems worldwide​

For Muslims, choosing restaurants with valid halal certificates is not just a matter of preference—it’s a religious obligation. With JAKIM leading the charge in ensuring food establishments meet halal standards, Muslim consumers can dine with confidence. But the responsibility also lies with consumers to verify a restaurant’s halal status, especially as more eateries seek to tap into the lucrative halal market without necessarily adhering to proper standards.

So next time you’re dining out, remember to check for that halal certificate. It’s not just about following dietary laws—it’s about ensuring that the food you eat aligns with your values and religious beliefs.