BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Ministry of Religious Affairs, through the Syariah Affairs Department, in a press statement Friday (Feb 21), reminded all food and beverage businesses operating in the Sultanate that any establishment which has not obtained a Halal Certificate is strictly prohibited from offering, promoting, displaying or using any expressions or terms that refer to the food or beverages prepared as halal.
This includes the use of terms such as ‘Buffet Ramadan’, ‘Sungkai Buffet’, ‘Iftar’, ‘Set Ramadan’, ‘Buffet Sahur’, or any other terminology that directly or indirectly implies meals that are for breaking fast or pre-dawn meals.
To safeguard the interests of Muslims in the country and preserve the integrity of the national Halal Certification system, the Syariah Affairs Department, through its Halal Food Control Division, will continue to conduct monitoring and inspections on premises offering and promoting Ramadan-themed meals without possessing a valid Halal Certificate issued by the Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB).
Any food and beverage premises found in violation of Section 12 (3)(b) of the Halal Certificate and Halal Label Order, 2005 may face legal action.
Upon conviction, offenders are liable to a fine not exceeding BND8,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or both.
This is to ensure that any party making a representation, claim or portrayal of Halal has been officially audited, inspected, and approved as Halal by the MUIB in accordance with prevailing laws.
At the same time, food and beverage premises that have yet to apply for a Halal Certificate or Permit are reminded to submit their applications immediately, as provided under Section 4(1) and Section 10(1)(a) of the Halal Certificate and Halal Label Order (Amendment 2017).
The failure to do so may result in penalties under Section 4(5) and Section 10(6) of the same Order, including a fine not exceeding BND8,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.
For continuing offences, an additional fine of up to BND100 per day may be imposed for each day the offence continues after conviction.
Members of the public with information related to this matter can contact the Halal Food Control Division, Syariah Affairs Department, via the hotline or visit the division’s office in Bandar Seri Begawan or in their districts. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
