KUALA LUMPUR: The government has collected over RM80mil in fees from the issuance of halal certificates between 2012 and 2023, according to Senator Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) said the total collection amounted to RM80,032,254.43, a figure revealed in response to a query by Labis MP Pang Hok Liong in Parliament on Tuesday (Oct 29).
Mohd Na’im said there had been a general increase year-on-year with the collection fees amounting to RM3,641,120 in 2012 and RM12,153,640 in 2023.
These figures, Mohd Na’im said, reflect the growing awareness among Malaysian entrepreneurs and industries of the importance of halal certification as a value-added service, especially in the global halal market.
In total, he said 85,893 companies obtained halal certification over the same period.
Mohd Na’im further emphasised the government’s continued commitment to encouraging more businesses, particularly small and micro enterprises, to apply for halal certification.
When asked by Labis MP whether the ministry plans to make halal certification mandatory for more restaurant operators, Mohd Na’im clarified that obtaining the certification remains voluntary, based on compliance with Malaysia’s halal certification standards.
Regarding allegations of corruption in the issuance of halal certificates, the minister reassured that investigations have been initiated by the director-general of Islamic Development Department (Jakim).
“As of now, there is no evidence to suggest that any officers from Jakim have been involved in bribery,” he said.
