Zahid Mandates 30-Day Timeline for Halal Certification Decisions By Jakim

In a landmark address at the Halal Sector Forum 2023 in Kuala Lumpur, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi set a new standard for halal certification in Malaysia. His message was clear: the delays in Jakim Halal Certification applications must end, and decisions must be made within a maximum of 30 working days. This directive is a critical step toward streamlining Malaysia’s halal certification process, which has faced significant criticism over the years.

The Need for Reform: Jakim Halal Certification

For years, industry players have expressed growing frustration with the halal certification process. Some businesses have been trapped in a prolonged state of uncertainty, waiting as long as two years for their certifications. These delays have had tangible consequences, particularly for companies that rely on halal certification to access both local and international markets. The inefficiencies have been a source of widespread complaints, with Jakim, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia, often at the center of these grievances.

Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi acknowledged these issues in his speech. “The narrative that Jakim has refined its process may be well documented,” he remarked, also in his role as the Minister of Rural and Regional Development. “But what’s written on paper and what’s happening on the ground are often two different things.” His statement underscores the gap between policy and practice, a gap that has led to significant delays and inefficiencies in the halal certification process.

Zahid’s Vision: Transforming Halal Certification

Zahid’s vision for the future of halal certification in Malaysia goes beyond merely addressing the delays. His approach is comprehensive, focusing on both accelerating the certification process and transforming the way it is managed. One of the key proposals he made during the forum was the introduction of triannual workshops on halal certification. These workshops are designed to accelerate the issuance process for both new applications and renewals, ensuring that businesses can obtain their certifications more quickly.

However, Zahid’s call to action is not just about increasing the frequency of certification activities; it’s about transforming the entire halal certification process. He emphasized the need for a complete overhaul of the system, urging for greater collaboration between religious authorities, industry leaders, and halal experts. “Our operational approach must evolve,” Hamidi stressed, echoing the prime minister’s directive. “Outdated thinking, whether inside or outside the box, is no longer sufficient. Today’s challenges demand limitless innovation.”

Building Expertise in Halal Certification

One of the most significant challenges in the halal certification process is the lack of qualified personnel who can conduct thorough and efficient audits. To address this, Zahid highlighted the importance of education and training in the halal sector. Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) have already begun developing courses aligned with Jakim’s guidelines, specifically in the halal sector. These programs are designed to produce skilled halal auditors who are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the halal manufacturing industry.

Universiti Kuala Lumpur has also embraced this shift, introducing academic programs from undergraduate to doctoral levels, all infused with halal industry knowledge. These initiatives are designed to ensure that Malaysia remains at the forefront of the global halal market by producing graduates who are well-versed in the intricacies of halal certification and compliance.

Encouraging Corporate Responsibility

In addition to reforms at the governmental and educational levels, Zahid also called on the private sector to take greater responsibility for halal certification. He urged major corporations, particularly those focused on exports, to employ dedicated halal auditors. These auditors play a critical role in ensuring that companies adhere strictly to halal standards, which is essential for maintaining Malaysia’s reputation in the international market.

“Our prime minister’s advice emphasizes the importance of synergy,” Zahid noted, referring to the need for better coordination among Malaysia’s key investment and trade bodies to streamline the halal certification process. By employing halal auditors, companies can ensure that their products meet the rigorous standards required for halal certification, thereby protecting their brand’s integrity and enhancing their competitiveness in global markets.

Zahid’s Engagement at the Forum

The Halal Sector Forum 2023 was not just a platform for speeches and directives. Zahid Hamidi took a hands-on approach to addressing the issues facing the halal sector. He engaged directly with industry players, visiting exhibition booths and witnessing the signing of key memorandums of understanding among MARA exhibitors. His involvement demonstrated his commitment to making real, tangible changes in the halal certification process.

The memorandums of understanding signed at the forum are expected to lead to closer collaboration between MARA and various industry stakeholders. These partnerships will be critical in driving the reforms necessary to streamline the halal certification process and ensure that it meets the needs of businesses and consumers alike.

Global Implications of Malaysia’s Role

Malaysia has long been recognized as a global leader in the halal market, but maintaining this position requires continuous innovation and improvement. The new mandate for Jakim Halal Certification is a significant step forward in addressing the long-standing issues within the certification process. By setting a clear 30-day timeline and emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and education, Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi is steering the halal sector toward a future where efficiency and excellence are the norms.

The implications of these reforms extend beyond Malaysia’s borders. As the global demand for halal products continues to grow, Malaysia’s ability to maintain its leadership in the halal market will depend on the success of these reforms. By streamlining the halal certification process, Malaysia can strengthen its position as a trusted provider of halal products, opening up new opportunities for trade and investment.

A New Era for Halal Certification in Malaysia

The new mandate for Jakim Halal Certification represents a turning point for the halal sector in Malaysia. By addressing the inefficiencies that have plagued the certification process for years, Zahid Hamidi’s reforms are poised to bring about significant improvements. The introduction of a 30-day timeline for certification decisions, combined with efforts to increase collaboration, innovation, and education, will help ensure that Malaysia remains at the forefront of the global halal market.

As the halal sector continues to grow, both in Malaysia and internationally, these reforms will be essential in maintaining the integrity and competitiveness of halal products. For businesses, the new certification process will provide much-needed clarity and efficiency, allowing them to meet the growing demand for halal products with confidence. For consumers, the reforms will ensure that the products they purchase meet the highest standards of halal certification.

In this new era of halal certification in Malaysia, the focus is on action and results. With Zahid Hamidi leading the charge, the halal sector is set to enter a period of transformation that will benefit businesses, consumers, and the broader economy alike.