Jakim no power to act against premises with ‘no pork’ signage

The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) has no authority to raid and take action against premises exhibiting "no pork" signs. Its director-general Datuk Othman Mustapha said such raids and actions were under the jurisdiction of the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry (KPDNKK). "Jakim, state religious departments, KPDNKK and other related (enforcement) agencies have a special committee on the halal sign," he said today. Othman said the application for halal certification was voluntary and any quarter intending to do so must follow the stipulated procedure. "The term 'no pork' tells consumers who don't eat pork that the premises don't serve pork. The halal term not only covers the aspect of pork but also chicken which are not slaughtered according to Islam." In this regard, Othman said consumers, especially Muslims, must pick business premises that exhibited the halal logo to avoid any doubt. – Bernama, February 18, 2016.]]>