News From : DagangHalal.com (28 Feb 2010)
KUALA LUMPUR: The Islamic Development Department (Jakim) is able to provide speedy halal certification and food outlets should not cite delays as an excuse for turning to private bodies for such approvals.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Dr Mashitah Ibrahim said delays often occurred due to incomplete information during the documentation process with the department.
“If the entrepreneur has prepared all the necessary documents, it will not take more than 30 days from the date of application for approval,” she told reporters at the 1Malaysia 1Halal campaign held at Masjid Negara yesterday.
She urged Muslim entrepreneurs to actively seek halal certification for their outlets.
“Some of them think that they do not need halal certification because they are Muslims. Halal certification is more than just prohibition on food items.
“The concept of halal goes beyond prohibition on food,” she said.
Earlier, Dr Mashitah launched the 1Malaysia 1Halal Award organised by online portal DagangHalal.com on the second day of the campaign.