New initiatives to expedite halal certification process

KUALA LUMPUR: An immediate approval within three to seven days is among four new initiatives of the Malaysian Islamic Department (Jakim) to expedite the issuance of the Malaysian Halal Verification Certificate (SPHM).

Minister in the Prime Minister Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said through the initiatives, 85 percent of SPHM

appllications could be approved within only one month since it was introduced last month.

"We have implement four new initiatives and, for which, the first initiative comprises of three categories, namely fast track that takes three to seven days through document review and instant approval by the reviewer.

“The second category is fast track audit, that is approved at the halal auditor level without going through repeated audits while the third category is fast track without reports of inaccuracies which is instant approval recommended by the auditor after field audits are conducted,” he told the Dewan Rakyat sitting yesterday.

He was replying to a question from Datuk Dr Noraini Ahmad (BN-Parit Sulong) on the latest initiatives by Jakim to improve the process of SPHM issuance.

Jamil Khir said the second initiative to expedite the certification is the combo audit process, which is the simultaneous document audit and field audit process of between seven to 14 days and the third initiative is the halal expressway, which is immediate approval of between 14 to 30 days.

"Halal fast lane is the fourth initiative in which the verifying officer will classify the types of applications for the critical categories related to animal stools such as dogs, pigs and non critical category,” he said.

Jamil Khir said Jakim also introduced the white list application category for SPHM holders who complied with the procedures and gave a high commitment to the halal certification.

Meanwhile during the oral questioning session, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said there was no legal provision that allowed the government to issue ‘non halal certificates' or ‘illegal certificates' on prohibited goods or products.

He said the provision of certification controls, logos and halal signs are under the Trade Descriptions Act 2011 (Halal Certification and Marking) and (Halal Definition) Order 2011.

"Order 2011 recommends Jakim and State Islamic Religious Council (MAIN) or State Islamic Religious Department (JAIN) as a credible authority in halal certification in Malaysia,” he said.