SHANGHAI: Matters related to Islam, including the proposed mandatory halal certification for eateries, come under the purview of the Conference of Rulers, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said while a full report on the proposal is being drawn up, the views and wisdom of the Conference of Rulers would be sought before a decision be made whether to implement it or otherwise.
Calling for calm over the highly debated issue, the Deputy Prime Minister said the matter should not be turned into a polemic as no decision has been made over the mandatory halal certification for eateries.
ALSO READ: PM orders halal cert report to be tabled next week
He also pointed out that the Prime Minister had instructed a full report to be prepared and tabled to the Cabinet next week.
“Let the report be completed first and for the Cabinet to look at what the proposal entails. I urge the public to remain calm,” he said to Malaysian reporters on Thursday (Sept 12).
On Wednesday (Sept 11), government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil said the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) was responsible for preparing the report to conduct a review of the proposal.
ALSO READ: Religious Affairs Minister to present report on halal cert plan to Cabinet, says Fahmi
The issue was discussed at the weekly Cabinet meeting, particularly on the implementation aspect, Fahmi said.
On Sept 3, Mohd Na’im was reported to have said that several laws would need to be amended to enforce mandatory halal certification for food outlets, and various agencies would need to be involved to ensure compliance.
The proposed move requiring all eateries that do not serve pork or alcohol to obtain halal certification has caused an uproar among politicians and communities.
ALSO READ: Hamzah defends proposed compulsory halal certification in global context
Food and beverage industry players, in particular, have voiced concern about the process, which they say involves high fees and stringent requirements.
Currently, such certification is optional for those food operators.
The furore also led to Seputeh MP Teresa Kok being called in by the police to have her statement recorded after she remarked that the move could burden small businesses and restrict consumer freedom.
