PETALING JAYA: The Cabinet has decided that halal certification will not be mandatory for all food premises, as is the status quo, says Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
In a statement, the Deputy Prime Minister however said that all food operators are encouraged to get halal certification as this gives them access to a bigger market as Muslims can eat there without any worries.
"It will remain optional for food operators to get their food certified halal.
"After consideration, the Cabinet has agreed to allow the status quo of halal certification as voluntary, the same as it was first introduced in 1974 and strengthened in 2011," he said.
The Cabinet made the decision after it was presented by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar on Wednesday (Sept 18).
A source said that the Cabinet was told about the lengthy process of making halal certification mandatory for all premises and not to complicate matters.
"For premises which say they do not serve pork or alcohol but are not certified halal, it was agreed that they should clearly state that they do not have halal certification," said a source.
Another source said that the Cabinet also discussed the issue of Muslims who eat at these premises as it is their prerogative.
"Muslims will not be punished as it is up to them to be aware when choosing a place to eat.
"For example, many eateries in the East Coast have yet to apply for halal certification. "Does that mean a Muslim cannot eat at a Malay restaurant that has no halal certificate? It is up to Muslims to be more discerning," said the source.
On Sept 3, Mohd Na'im 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.
