By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Jan 9: The Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS) has clarified that restaurants labelled as “Muslim-friendly” are not halal-certified, following public confusion sparked by a viral list showing only a small number of halal-certified seafood outlets in Sarawak.
MIS president Datuk Misnu Taha said the misunderstanding arose after netizens questioned why so few seafood restaurants were included in the list despite the abundance of seafood eateries in Kuching and other parts of the State.
He stressed that, under the ruling by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), only premises with valid halal certification can be considered halal.
“If there is no halal certification, then it is not halal. ‘Muslim-friendly’ does not mean halal-certified, and we have to follow JAKIM’s decision,” he told reporters when met at a local function today. An audio recording of the doorstep interview was later shared to DayakDaily.
Misnu said MIS is aware of public concerns over the issue, adding that the authorities have taken a proactive approach by engaging directly with food operators that have the potential to obtain halal certification, including seafood restaurants.
“We go to the premises, we offer them to apply for halal certification, and we help them with the application process,” he said.
He explained that the halal certification fee is minimal and varies depending on the type of industry, noting that in some cases it can be as low as RM100 per year under certain categories or initiatives.
“Once a restaurant is halal-certified, we will also help promote them through media and other platforms. That is why we encourage all halal restaurants to apply,” he added.
On efforts to improve access to halal food, Misnu said MIS has proposed the establishment of designated halal zones in commercial areas and shopping malls, although not all operators are receptive to the idea.
“We believe halal zones would allow us to provide better services, especially for halal food, but there are places that may not want it. We are still encouraging,” he said.
He added that officers from Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) regularly conduct ground visits to malls and food centres to encourage operators to seek halal certification, citing the presence of halal-certified outlets in several shopping complexes.
Misnu also urged more hotels in Sarawak to apply for halal certification, particularly in view of upcoming international events such as the 2027 SEA Games.
“When there are major programmes, especially international ones, hotels should be halal-certified to make it easier to serve guests, including visitors from overseas. JAIS can assist with the application if needed,” he pointed out.
Responding to questions on whether action would be taken against establishments using the ‘Muslim-friendly’ label, Misnu said MIS would advise premises if their claims caused public unease or confusion.
“If there are statements that could stir concern, we will come and advise. We also work together with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN),” he said.
Addressing why the number of halal-certified seafood outlets remains low despite engagement efforts, Misnu said dialogues have been held with industry players, including restaurants, hotels and slaughterhouses, to identify challenges in the application process.
“We sit down with them and ask what they need from us to facilitate halal certification. We are willing to assist wherever possible, as long as they are willing to apply,” he said, adding that the facilitation efforts also extend to street vendors.
Members of the public seeking clarification on the halal status of food premises are advised to contact JAIS or use the Jejak Halal feature available within the ‘Sarawak Gov’ mobile application to verify certified outlets.
The public discussion over halal-certified seafood outlets started after MIS Islamic Information Centre uploaded an infographic on Facebook on Jan 7, listing seafood restaurants in Sarawak with halal certification. Many netizens expressed surprise at the small number of outlets included, questioning why so few establishments have halal certification despite the abundance of seafood eateries in Kuching and other parts of the State. – DayakDaily
