PUTRAJAYA: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar must prepare a report on the halal certification proposal and table it at the next Cabinet meeting, says Fahmi Fadzil.
The unity government spokesman said the minister must also conduct a review of the mandatory halal certification proposal and present the outcome at the meeting as well.
“Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has instructed the minister to prepare a report as well as the next course of action to be tabled at the Cabinet meeting next week,” he told the weekly post-Cabinet meeting press conference here on Wednesday (Sept 11).
Fahmi, who is also Communications Minister, said matters involving halal certification were discussed in the Cabinet from time to time, especially the implementation.
“But from the policy side, we need to wait for the Religious Minister to table (his findings),” he added.
On Sept 3, Mohd Na'im said several laws would need to be amended to enforce mandatory halal certification, and various agencies would need to be involved to ensure compliance.
At present, halal certification is optional for food business operators.
The proposal for mandatory certification caused concern among food and beverage industry players as the process involves high fees and stringent requirements.
