Over Ten International Halal Certification Bodies Await JAKIM Approval

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 16 (Bernama) — More than ten international halal certification bodies from various countries are currently awaiting audit by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) to gain recognition from the Malaysian government.

 Director-General, Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee Sirajuddin, stated that these organisations include bodies from China, Russia, and the Balkan nations.

“JAKIM’s recognition of foreign halal certification bodies is granted via a letter of recognition, not through a Memorandum of Understanding,” he told the media on the sidelines of the Global Halal Summit (GHaS) 2025 here today.

The three main events during the summit, which runs from today until Sept 26, are the Halal Certification Bodies Convention (HCBC), International Halal Technical Capacity Development Programme (IHTCDP), and the Global Halal Talk (GHT).

Sirajuddin said the 15th HCBC themed Igniting Excellence, Bridging Halal Worldwide, is being attended by already-recognised halal certification bodies as well as those applying for recognition.

"This conference provides a forum for sharing the latest information and knowledge, particularly Malaysia's efforts to strengthen the halal ecosystem at the domestic and international levels.

“JAKIM prioritises collaboration with OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) halal authorities to ensure a uniform, united approach to strengthening the global halal industry for the benefit of the global Muslim community and non-Muslim consumers alike," he said.

Held under the theme of Integrity, Sustainability, and Resilience, this prestigious event is an initiative by JAKIM, in cooperation with the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI).

It is executed through MITI's agencies: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Halal Development Corporation Berhad, and Department of Standards Malaysia.

In its statement, JAKIM said that in addition to convening industry leaders, policymakers, academics, international halal certification bodies, and consumers, the summit also demonstrates a shared responsibility for building a trusted and innovative halal ecosystem capable of meeting the challenges of an increasingly dynamic global economy.

"GHaS continues to be a primary catalyst in reinforcing Malaysia's role as a global halal leader and reference point.

"Malaysia has been recognised as the global halal leader for 11 consecutive years by the 2024 Global Islamic Economy Report, solidifying the nation's capabilities," the statement read. 

 A total of 92 recognised halal certification bodies and international delegations from 47 countries are participating in GHaS 2025, taking place in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. 

The 4th edition of the HCBC and IHTCDP, held today, themed Strengthening Core Competencies for Success, featured six dedicated sessions designed to empower international halal certification bodies.

This programme serves as a strategic platform for JAKIM to disseminate its expertise, reinforcing Malaysia's status as the central hub for the global halal ecosystem. 

A new feature of this year's summit is the Global Halal Talk (GHT) tomorrow, a forum for strategic insights from top leadership, including Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, the statement concluded.  

 —BERNAMA