Jakim has no jurisdiction to take action over ‘Pork Free’, ‘No Pork’ signs

IPOH - The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) has no jurisdiction to take action against food premises and restaurants that use “Pork Free” or “No Pork” despite signs not having halal certification.

Its director-general Datuk Othman Mustapha said such an issue was under the purview of the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry, or the local government.

He said it was not compulsory for food outlets to obtain halal certificates.

“However, once the food operator decides to apply for halal certification then they are required to follow all terms and conditions stipulated by Jakim.

“So some operators who put up such signs were probably informing the public that pork is not served at the restaurant because some people from other faiths do not consume pork as well.

“From the aspect of halal, it is not only about abstaining from eating pork but it is also about the way chicken is slaughtered at food outlets,” he told reporters at a Quran recital programme held a hotel here on Thursday.