PREMISES found to abuse the use of symbols such as mosques, stars or inscriptions associated with Islam to deceive Muslim customers may face a fine of up to RM1mil, says the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.
In a parliamentary reply, the ministry said such acts constitute an offence under the Trade Descriptions (Definition of Halal) Order 2011.
“Upon conviction, offenders may face a fine of up to RM1mil, a jail term of up to three years or both.
“These include premises owned by non-Muslim traders that use symbols such as mosques, the Kaabah, crescents, stars or inscriptions associated with Islam, including displaying Quranic verses with the intention to deceive or confuse Muslim patrons,” it said.
The ministry said this in a reply to Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Abd Muttalib (PN-Maran) on actions to be taken against non-Muslim traders who exploit Islamic symbols, names or logos commonly associated with Muslims and the term “berkat” (blessing) which could confuse Muslims regarding the halal status of the premises.
For traders wanting to display the halal logo, the ministry said they are required to obtain halal certification from the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (Jakim), state Islamic Religious Councils or state Islamic Religious Departments.
The certification must be obtained before the traders are permitted to use terms or indicators suggesting the products are halal as stipulated under the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking of Halal) Order 2011.
