Slaughterhouse Operators Encouraged To Apply For Malaysia Halal Certification

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- Slaughterhouse operators are strongly encouraged to apply for the Malaysian Halal Certification (SPHM) to strengthen operational control, facilitate supply traceability and enhance customer confidence.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr. Zulkifli Hasan said that this certification also helps restaurants, supermarkets, and traders make supply source selections based on verifiable confirmations.

"Although the Malaysian Halal Certification is voluntary, its benefits are immense for slaughterhouse operators and the community.

"This certification helps entrepreneurs strengthen halal control throughout operations while providing consumers with confidence in the supply sources as well as the slaughtering and handling processes of the purchased products," he said in a statement today.

The statement was issued following his inspection with a monitoring team of the Halal Management Division, Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) at an SPHM holder's slaughterhouse in Petaling Jaya, Selangor last night.

Zulkifli said that halal certification is not just about displaying a certificate or logo because the SPHM application involves the evaluation of documentation and field inspections of supply sources, slaughtering processes, handling, cleanliness, and internal halal control systems.

"After being certified, SPHM holders are subject to monitoring and certification actions in the event of non-compliance.

"The main difference between slaughterhouses with SPHM and those without certification is that the premises of SPHM holders have undergone evaluation and verification under SPHM," he said.

He said that the absence of SPHM does not by itself prove that a slaughter is not halal, but the premises has not yet obtained compliance verification through the relevant certification system.

"The possession of an operating licence cannot be equated with halal certification. The community is also urged to distinguish between viral allegations and verified investigation results," he said.

Zulkifli said that non-compliance at a particular premises should not be generalised to all slaughterhouses or the entire SPHM.

"Users are advised to prioritise supplies from halal-certified sources and check the certification status through the Malaysian Halal Portal.

"Halal is a shared trust. Entrepreneurs are responsible for maintaining compliance, while consumers have the right to accurate information and reliable supplies," he said.

He also said JAKIM strongly encourages all slaughterhouse operators to obtain SPHM.

"In this regard, complaints from the public are welcome and further investigations as well as enforcement actions will be carried out by JAKIM or the State Islamic Religious Department," he added.

-- BERNAMA