KUALA LUMPUR, November 27 — The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living has issued a stern warning to business owners against using Islamic symbols or fake halal logos to mislead Muslim consumers. Non-Muslim traders found using elements such as mosque imagery, the Kaaba, or Quranic verses to deceive customers could face penalties under the Trade Description (Definition of Halal) Order 2011, including fines up to RM1 million or three years’ imprisonment.
The ministry clarified that both Muslim and non-Muslim traders must obtain halal certification to use halal-related language or logos legally. Violators of the Trade Description (Halal Certification and Marking of Halal) Order 2011 could face fines of up to RM100,000 or three years in prison. The statement, provided in response to a parliamentary query, underscores the ministry’s commitment to ensuring consumer trust and compliance with halal standards in Malaysia.
