JAKIM Probes Appointment Of Hospital Catering Company Without Halal Certification

NILAI, July 22 (Bernama) -- The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) is currently gathering detailed information following the appointment of a catering company without halal certification to supply meals to patients at a hospital.

Its director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee said JAKIM aimed to find the best approach and would collaborate with the relevant parties to ensure the matter could be addressed collectively in a harmonious manner.

“There may be confusion or misunderstanding, which is why we are gathering further information and investigating. We are not looking to blame any party.

“JAKIM only became aware of this issue after it was mentioned in the Auditor-General’s Report (LKAN),” he told reporters after launching the 2025 Halal and Fatwa Seminar (Sehalwa) organised by the Institute of Fatwa and Halal, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), here today.

Sirajuddin said JAKIM would also explore the most suitable solution to address the appointment of companies without halal certification to operate catering services, including at government premises.

Sirajuddin explained that halal certification inspections at such premises fall under the jurisdiction of the appointing agency, and the Ministry of Finance (MOF) has stipulated that all food suppliers must have halal certification.

He added that JAKIM is ready to assist food suppliers in obtaining halal certification, and reiterated that all agencies must ensure the companies possess halal certificates before being appointed.

Meanwhile, Sirajuddin said JAKIM received 19,686 applications for the Malaysian Halal Certification (SPHM) last year, comprising 5,650 from Bumiputera companies and 13,206 from non-Bumiputera companies, with the remainder from foreign-owned companies.

“Some Bumiputera companies may assume that being Malay and Muslim means they don’t need halal certification, but this mindset must change. JAKIM has never closed its doors, and we will continue encouraging Bumiputera players to apply for SPHM,” he said.

Earlier in his speech, Sirajuddin highlighted that Malaysia must move towards a halal certification system that is digitalised, founded on integrity, sustainability, enforcement efficiency, and the capacity to handle cross-border issues.

“To date, Malaysia’s halal certification is recognised in more than 47 countries through 85 Foreign Halal Certification Bodies. We must protect this credibility with uncompromising standards and transparency,” he said.

-- BERNAMA