Halal food in Malaysia

Multi-ethnic, multi-cultural Malaysia has a population composed of a significant Muslim majority. It is no wonder then that the country is a major producer of Halal foods. In fact, Malaysia’ s certification of halal food products dates back to as early as the 1960’s, and the country, today has well developed and efficient system, which regulates the domestic food industry to ensure that it is in line not only with Shariah requirements, but also conforms to guidelines for hygiene, sanitation and safety standards.

Malaysia’s Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) has been responsible for the standardization of halal certifications in the country since August 2009. The  organization produces a regularly updated halal directory, which is essentially  is a compilation of information on food and beverage manufacturing companies, food premises, hotels, consumer products and slaughter houses which bear the JAKIM halal certification. This helps Muslim consumers in Malaysia easily identify and consume halal food products. Malaysia has also introduced various food production standards like MS 1500, MS 1480 and MS 1514, which prescribe guidelines for the Malaysian food production industry on the preparation and handling of halal foods.

In Malaysia, restaurants serving halal food sport easily spotted certifications to help inform Muslim customers and guide them in their choices. Similarly, meat products sold at the country’s many supermarkets are also clearly labeled as ‘halal’ and ‘non-halal’ in order to avoid confusion and misinformation. The global halal meat market volume has grown to be worth a gargantuan $300 billion and Malaysia with its well-developed standards and regulation for the production, storage, handling and serving of halal foods hopes to soon be a major player in this rapidly growing market.

The term ‘Halal’, ‘Guaranteed Halal’ or ‘Muslim Food’ essentially means:-

·         The food is not derived from or consists of any part of or item from animals that are forbidden for Muslim consumption by Islamic law or even animals that have not been slaughtered according to Islamic law.

·         Moreover, ‘halal’ food does not contain any substance considered impure according to Islamic law.

·         The ‘Halal’ food is prepared, processed or manufactured using equipment or utensils free from impurities as defined by Islamic law

·         The preparation, processing or storage of halal food has not been contaminated taking into account the above guidelines.

The Islamic tourist industry is growing rapidly. However, Muslims visiting Malaysia should not be worried about locating halal food in Malaysia, for it is widely available in every part of the country.