As a majority of Malaysians are practising Muslims, it’s not surprising that many take the issue of halal certification very seriously. Over the years, there have been many debates about whether certain restaurant chains in Malaysia are halal – and it seems the governing body has finally answered those questions.
Earlier today (3rd September 2024, Tuesday), the Malaysian Islamic Development Department, more familiarly known as JAKIM, released a statement in response to a letter from the agency that has gone viral on social media. The letter is about the halal status of several popular restaurants, which many enquired through JAKIM’s public complaint system. In their post, the government agency clarified that the following restaurants are not fully halal-certified:
- Johnny’s Restaurant
- Black Canyon
- Mr. Dakgalbi
- Bungkus Kaw Kaw
- Dolly Dim Sum
- Ayam Penyet Best
However, Dolly Dim Sum has previously shared that their central kitchen is halal-certified. The restaurant also said that it’s in the process of obtaining certification for its branches. In the previous letter, JAKIM stated that another popular eatery, Ayam Penyet Best, was not halal-certified. However, the agency updated its statement to clarify that four branches of the restaurant chain hold a valid halal certification. Towards the end of their statement, JAKIM urges the public to check the halal status of a premise or product through the Malaysian Halal Portal.
Many netizens were shocked that these eateries are not halal-certified as expected. It’s worth noting that all the mentioned eateries are popular amongst Muslim patrons and were advertised as halal or, at least, pork-free. However, this isn’t the first incident as a popular chain restaurant, Madam Kwan’s, also does not have a certification from JAKIM due to the sale of alcoholic beverages. Although, the restaurant assures customers that their kitchens use halal ingredients sourced from halal-certified suppliers.
As of writing, customers are urging the management and owners of the restaurant to apply for a halal certification to provide patrons with peace of mind. What are your thoughts on this? Were you surprised that these restaurants aren’t halal?
