Kuantan eateries urged to get halal certs for Ramadan promotions
CASHING in on the popularity of Ramadan buffets, hotels and restaurants in Kuantan are promoting their menus to draw customers.
However, to ensure these eateries obtain halal certificates and other requirements, the Pahang Islamic Religious Department (Jaip) sends its enforcement team to conduct checks.
Jaip Halal Management Unit head Noridzuan Abdul Manan said his team had gone to premises before the fasting month to ensure that halal-certified premises adhered to procedures and followed guidelines in preparing food.
He said the 17-member team would ensure food ingredients were halal-certified and that the premises prioritised cleanliness, especially in kitchen and dining areas.
“We are satisfied with the commitment shown by hotel and restaurant operators, but there are minor issues that must be sorted out.
“Jaip has advised them and we will conduct checks to ensure the premises follow our instructions. Anyone who wishes to break fast in hotels can choose hotels with halal certificates and report to us if they know something is amiss.”
He said the team would to monitor hotels and restaurants to ensure operators did not make a quick profit during Ramadan.
Last year, some hotels and restaurants took advantage of the fasting month by offering special menus without obtaining halal certificates.
Some operators printed brochures and even held promotions through radio and social media.