SHAH ALAM: Halal logos and certification issued by private agencies will no longer be recognised in Selangor, said state Islamic Religious Department (Jais) director Datuk Mohammed Khusrin Munawi. Only the standard certification issued by the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and Jais will be valid.

The decision was in line with the Trade Description Act 1972, to standardise halal certification.

“We advise the public to avoid food products without the halal logo issued by Jakim or Jais. Please report to us any halal logos issued by other parties,” he told a press conference here yesterday.

Mohammed Khusrin said there were six private agencies providing halal logos and certifications.

All the agencies were given notice yesterday to stop issuing the logos and certification.

He added that when it came to certification from private companies, there was a risk that the issuance did not strictly adhere to requirements; as well as the possibility that enforcement and monitoring might be lacking.

Mohammed Khusrin said many businessmen chose to go to these private firms because the certifications were easier to obtain.

“Anyone who wants to apply for halal logos or certification must go through Jais from now on,” he said, adding that companies yet to obtain certification from Jais have been given three months to do so.

Spot checks would be carried out to ensure food manufacturers and restaurants adhere to the rules and regulations set by Jais.

Mohammed Khusrin warned that Jais would not hesitate to take action against eateries and factories which fail to do so under Section 12 (b) of the Selangor Syariah Criminal Enactment – which carries a fine up to RM3,000 or a maximum three-year jail, or both.