Introduction
Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) is the competent authority being responsible for halal certification in Malaysia.
The responsibility in ascertaining the halal status of the products involved not only on the official site inspection of plants but also on the examination on how the Halal status of the raw material is maintained and monitored at all times.
In view of many raw material used in local food production are mostly imported products which requires the appointment of reputable and reliable foreign halal certification bodies to monitor the Halal status of these raw materials. The recognition is also extended to halal status of finished products.
Terms & Conditions
The Certification Bodies shall :
- be a recognised and registered in the country;
- have permanent membership including syariah expertise;
- engage technical expertise /food scientist;
- agree to comply with Halal certification requirements or other requirements recommended or approved by JAKIM;
- agree to allow officers from JAKIM to carry out an audit on its organisation at anytime.
Specific Conditions For Meat And Meat Based Products
- All meat and meat based products to be exported to Malaysia must be halal. For the purpose of the importation approval, JAKIM and Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia (DVS) will conduct inspection/audit to the abattoirs and processing plants. JAKIM will inspect in terms of halal aspect and DVS will inspect in terms of animal health and food safety. Upon approval of both departments, the abattoirs and processing plants will be listed in the Malaysian approved plants list. The halal certificate issued by the recognised certification body will only be valid upon approval from the Malaysian authority.
- For the purpose of auditing, the requirement of Malaysian Standard, Halal Food - Production, Preparation, Handling And Storage - General Guidelines (MS 1500:2009) and Malaysian Protocol for The Halal Meat Production will be used. Therefore the plants must comply with these standard and protocol.
- This certification body shall monitor and execute a supervisory role in matters of Halal at the plant concerned. This supervisory role will be of mutual consent of both the plant management and the certification body before they are considered for appointment by the Malaysian authorities.
- The arrangement does not override authorities from Malaysia carrying out follow-up inspection visits as and when the need arises.
Conditions On Withdrawal Of Appointment
Appointment shall be withdrawn if any of the following occurs:
- The certification body loses its legal status by law;
- Failure of the certification body in monitoring the halal status of the abattoirs and processing plants; and
- Failure of the certification body to fulfill Malaysia’s requirement on halal certification including failure to submit the six-month report of monitoring and audit activities of the plant in every six months.
Conditions For Halal Certification Body Doing Other Certification
- The Certification Body head office shall be registered and operated in Muslim countries;
- The Certification Body shall owned by Muslims.
