SHAH ALAM, September 16 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has clarified that the government has not made halal certification mandatory for all restaurants or food and beverage (F&B) businesses in the country. He emphasized that non-Muslim operators will not be forced to apply for halal certification, stating that the decision to seek certification remains voluntary.
Speaking at the 78th MIC General Assembly in Shah Alam, Zahid, who also chairs the Malaysia Halal Council, addressed recent concerns over the issue. He urged his colleagues in the Unity Government not to misinterpret the discussions surrounding halal certification and advised against politicizing sensitive matters related to religion.
The clarification follows remarks by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, who suggested considering mandatory halal certification for certain establishments. The proposal sparked controversy, with some political figures, such as Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, arguing that halal certification should be market-driven and not imposed by the government.
