KOTA BARU: The Kelantan government has designated seven categories of food and beverage premises that must obtain Malaysian halal certification to secure a business licence in the state.
State Local Government, Housing, Health and Environment Committee chairman Hilmi Abdullah said that this requirement also applies to non-Muslim-owned premises frequented by Muslim customers.
"The halal certification is enforced on seven categories of food businesses, namely hotel kitchens, airport premises, shopping malls, kopitiams, chain restaurants, fast-food or franchise restaurants, and cake, bread shops, as well as manufacturing factories, to obtain the permanent business licence.
"Halal certification is also required for non-Muslim-owned premises that serve Muslim customers," he told Sinar Harian here on Sunday.
He said that local authorities, including the Kota Baru Municipal Council Islamic City (MPKB-BRI), has the authority to issue licences under the Trade, Business, and Industrial Licensing By-Law 1985.
"The Permanent Business Licence issued to these seven business categories will also receive approval from the state authorities.
"MPKB-BRI is also taking the initiative to issue temporary licences until all seven business categories obtain their respective SPHM, allowing them to operate as usual for one year," he said.
Additionally, Hilmi clarified that the issue of restrictions on serving bak kut teh, char siu, and siu yuk (roast pork), as raised by Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, is inaccurate because non-halal food can still be sold at all premises specifically for non-Muslims.
"This issue is entirely unrelated to the implementation of the halal certificate, and the statement only causes confusion and is unfounded," he said.
He added that the Kelantan government is very mindful of ensuring social harmony and religious freedom while maintaining the principles of fair and inclusive Islamic governance.
"The state government always respects the rights of non-Muslim traders to conduct business according to their community's beliefs and needs.
"The implementation of the halal certificate only applies to food premises seeking such recognition and does not affect non-Muslim businesses that do not apply for the certificate," he added.
