KUALA LUMPUR: The government is committed to continuously improving the halal certification process, which has been shortened from several months to 30 days, the Dewan Rakyat was told today. Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr. Zulkifli Hasan emphasized the importance of these improvements during a parliamentary session.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) has implemented several initiatives to expedite the approval process. These include increasing the number of halal auditors and developing a new system. “Statistical data shows an increase in both applications and approvals. We are also in the process of developing the MYeHALAL 2.0 system, which will accelerate the process through the use of technology,” Zulkifli stated during the question and answer session.

He was responding to a supplementary question from Dr. Mohammed Taufiq Johari (PH-Sungai Petani) regarding the government’s efforts to ensure transparency and
prevent delays that discouraged businesses from applying for halal certification due to the lengthy process.

Meanwhile, Zulkifli mentioned that the revenue from the halal certification fee has been allocated to various guidance programs, including the ‘Halal on Track’ program. This initiative provides facilities and halal clinics to assist industries and businesses in obtaining a halal certificate.

“We are also collaborating with institutions like the Malaysian Highway Authority to assist traders at Rest and Service Areas secure halal certification,” he added in response to a supplementary question from Datuk Idris Ahmad (PN-Bagan Serai).

He further noted that JAKIM collected RM12.15 million in halal certification fees last year, with total collections exceeding RM80 million since 2012.