PETALING JAYA: The Kelantan Malay Restaurant Operators Association (Permeka) is appealing to the state government to postpone the Malaysian Halal Certification (SPHM) requirement until January 2026.
Its chairman Nik Hassan Mohd Zain said many restaurant owners were unaware of the requirement until they tried to renew their business licences.
“We are appealing for a postponement as many of the traders are not ready.
“In fact, the authorities should issue notices six months in advance through a circular or on social media before the application is made,” Sinar Harian quoted him as saying yesterday.
He also suggested that all traders receive awareness and education training throughout 2025, with a compulsory course on the matter before they qualify to apply.
“Furthermore, restaurant operators face financial difficulties and need more time to prepare everything required as a condition for the licence,” Nik Hassan added.
He said the local authorities should also study the timeline requirements for the matter as multiple stakeholders may be involved in small and medium-scale industries, which may not be able to prepare in a short time due to the high cost.
“Our suppliers would also need certification which may take more than three months, especially if it involves ingredients from foreign countries, including Thailand,” he said.
Nik Hassan said he has written to the Kota Baru Municipal Council president to discuss the issues faced by operators regarding the latest requirement for business licences.
“The matter also needs to be discussed with the Kelantan Islamic Affairs Department, especially regarding the need for the halal certificate,” he added.
