According to the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim), nearly 72% or 165,026 out of a total of 229,204 halal-certified products in Malaysia are owned by non-Muslim companies. In contrast, only 37,466 products are classified as Bumiputera-owned. These figures are based on data collected from 2021 until April 10, 2023.
As reported by Sinar Daily, Mohamad Zamri Mohamed Shapik, the director of Jakim’s Halal Management Division, stated that from the beginning of this year until April 10, a total of 21,448 non-Bumiputera-owned products obtained the Jakim halal certification, while only 8,341 Bumiputera products received the same status.
The latest data from Jakim reveals that only 41% of Muslim Bumiputera entrepreneurs have shown interest in obtaining the halal certificate.
Did you know that as an entrepreneur, you can apply for a halal certificate for your products even if your company is non-Muslim-owned? Here’s a helpful guide on obtaining a halal certificate:
How to obtain halal certificate in Malaysia?
Getting halal certification in Malaysia is an important step for businesses that want to offer food and products following Islamic Law. To obtain the certification, companies must go through the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM), which is the authority on halal regulations. The process involves multiple steps and requirements, but it’s worth it if your business wants to serve the Muslim community.
Who is eligible to apply for the halal certificate?
- Manufacturer/ producer
- Distributor/ trader
- Sub-contract manufacturer
- Repacking
- Food premise
- Abattoir/slaughterhouse
Why is my application unsuccessful?
There are several reasons why your certification application for your products may be unsuccessful. Some of these reasons include:
- The company is producing and distributing halal and non-halal products
- The product is not halal
- Natural substance that does not involve any processing
- Drugs or products that are categorized as pharmaceutical products by the Ministry of Health Malaysia
- Hair colour/hair dye
- Processed products which were manufactured overseas
- Products that are labelled with names synonymous with confusing terminologies such as ‘bak kut teh’ and so on
- Fertilizers and animal feed
What documents need to be submitted for the application?
- Company profile
- Company/business registration
- Name and description of product/menu for certification
- Ingredients used
- Name and address of manufacturer/ingredient supplier
- Halal status for ingredients with halal certificate or product specification for critical ingredients (if relevant)
- Type of packaging material
- Manufacturing process and procedure
- Other documents such as HACCP, ISO, GHP, GMP, TQM etc. (If any); and
- Location map of premise/factory
- The applicant must create a “Halal Confirmation Certificate” file to store all relevant documents for reference during premise inspection.
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