Halal Regulatory Bodies in Malaysia
Introduction to Malaysia's Halal Governance Structure
Malaysia has established itself as a global leader in halal certification and governance through a comprehensive regulatory framework. The country's halal ecosystem is managed by multiple government agencies and organizations working in coordination to ensure the highest standards of halal compliance.
This multi-tiered governance structure ensures that halal products and services in Malaysia meet both Islamic requirements and international quality standards. The system covers everything from raw materials and manufacturing processes to logistics and retail.
Malaysia's halal regulatory framework serves as a model for many countries and has gained recognition from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and other international bodies.
JAKIM - Department of Islamic Development Malaysia
Role and Responsibilities
The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) is the primary federal agency responsible for halal certification in Malaysia. Established in 1997, JAKIM operates under the Prime Minister's Department and serves as the competent authority for halal matters at the federal level.
- Developing halal standards and procedures
- Processing halal certification applications
- Conducting halal audits and inspections
- Monitoring compliance with halal requirements
- Managing the Malaysia Halal logo
- Providing halal training and consultation
Organizational Structure
JAKIM's halal operations are managed through several key divisions:
- Halal Hub Division: The main division handling halal certification
- Research Division: Conducts halal-related research and development
- Management Services Division: Provides administrative support
- Policy Division: Develops halal policies and guidelines
Halal Hub Division Functions
The Halal Hub Division is the heart of JAKIM's halal operations, responsible for:
- Certification Processing: Evaluating and approving halal certification applications
- Audit & Inspection: Conducting on-site audits of production facilities
- Standards Development: Creating and updating Malaysian Halal Standards
- International Relations: Managing halal cooperation with foreign countries
- Enforcement: Monitoring compliance and taking action against violations
Certification Process Oversight
JAKIM oversees a comprehensive halal certification process that includes:
- Document verification and technical review
- On-site audits by certified halal auditors
- Laboratory testing when required
- Halal committee evaluation
- Certification issuance and monitoring
- Annual surveillance audits
JAKIM Contact Information
Address: Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia, Blok D7, Kompleks D, Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, 62519 Putrajaya
Phone: +603-8892 5000
Email: halal@islam.gov.my
Website: www.halal.gov.my
State Islamic Religious Departments (JAINs)
Role in Halal Certification
State Islamic Religious Departments (JAINs) play a crucial role in Malaysia's halal ecosystem. They work in partnership with JAKIM to implement halal certification at the state level, particularly for:
- Small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
- Food premises and restaurants
- Slaughterhouses within their jurisdiction
- Local halal compliance monitoring
List of State Islamic Religious Departments
JHEAINS (Negeri Sembilan)
Jabatan Hal Ehwal Agama Islam Negeri Sembilan
Phone: +606-762 3493
Website: jheains.ns.gov.my
JAIP (Pulau Pinang)
Jabatan Hal Ehwal Agama Islam Pulau Pinang
Phone: +604-650 5000
Website: jaipp.penang.gov.my
JHEAIK (Kelantan)
Jabatan Hal Ehwal Agama Islam Kelantan
Phone: +609-748 5511
Website: jheaik.kelantan.gov.my
JHEAT (Terengganu)
Jabatan Hal Ehwal Agama Terengganu
Phone: +609-621 1200
Website: jheat.terengganu.gov.my
JAIPP (Perak)
Jabatan Hal Ehwal Agama Islam Perak
Phone: +605-241 4421
Website: jheaipp.perak.gov.my
JHEAIPP (Pahang)
Jabatan Hal Ehwal Agama Islam Pahang
Phone: +609-514 3003
Website: jheaipp.pahang.gov.my
JAIS (Sarawak)
Jabatan Hal Ehwal Agama Islam Sarawak
Phone: +6082-507 077
Website: www.jais.sarawak.gov.my
MUIP (Perlis)
Majlis Ugama Islam dan Adat Istiadat Melayu Perlis
Phone: +604-976 1023
Website: muip.perlis.gov.my
JAWI (Federal Territories)
Jabatan Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan
Phone: +603-8892 7800
Website: www.jawi.gov.my
HDC - Halal Development Corporation
Mission and Objectives
The Halal Development Corporation (HDC) was established in 2006 as a government-owned company under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). HDC's primary mission is to develop Malaysia as a global halal hub and promote the growth of the halal industry.
Key objectives include:
- Facilitating the development of halal standards and certification
- Promoting Malaysian halal products and services globally
- Developing halal parks and infrastructure
- Providing business matching and market access support
- Conducting halal industry research and development
Halal Parks and Infrastructure
HDC manages several HALMAS (Halal Parks) across Malaysia, which are dedicated zones for halal production:
- HALMAS Pedas, Negeri Sembilan: Focus on food and beverages
- HALMAS Pasir Mas, Kelantan: Agricultural and livestock processing
- HALMAS Tanjung Manis, Sarawak: Integrated halal hub
- HALMAS Sedenak, Johor: Halal ingredients and pharmaceuticals
- HALMAS Gambang, Pahang: Cosmetics and personal care
These parks provide dedicated facilities with halal-compliant infrastructure, ensuring complete supply chain integrity for halal products.
Industry Development Programs
HDC runs various programs to support halal industry growth:
- Halal Integrated Platform (HIP): Digital ecosystem for halal businesses
- Halal Training Programs: Capacity building for industry professionals
- Market Development Grants: Financial support for halal exporters
- Halal Innovation Programs: R&D support for new halal products
- International Halal Showcase (MIHAS): Annual halal trade exhibition
HDC Contact Information
Address: Halal Development Corporation Berhad, Level 30 Menara TH Perdana, 1001 Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +603-2615 8888
Email: info@hdcglobal.com
Website: www.hdcglobal.com
SIRIM Berhad
Role in Halal Standards Development
SIRIM (Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia) plays a crucial role in developing Malaysian Standards (MS) for halal products and services. As the national standards body, SIRIM works closely with JAKIM and industry stakeholders to create comprehensive halal standards.
Key Malaysian Halal Standards developed include:
- MS 1500:2019 - Halal Food Production, Preparation, Handling and Storage
- MS 2565:2014 - Halal Packaging
- MS 2400 Series - Halalan-Toyyiban Assurance Pipeline
- MS 2610:2015 - Muslim Friendly Hospitality Services
- MS 2634:2019 - Halal Pharmaceuticals
- MS 2200 Series - Islamic Consumer Goods
Testing and Technical Services
SIRIM provides essential technical services for halal compliance:
- Laboratory Testing: Detection of non-halal ingredients (porcine, alcohol)
- DNA Analysis: Species identification for meat products
- Chemical Analysis: Verification of ingredient compliance
- Certification Services: Product certification against halal standards
- Training Programs: Halal auditor and technical training
- Consultancy: Halal compliance advisory services
SIRIM Contact Information
Address: SIRIM Berhad, 1 Persiaran Dato' Menteri, P.O. Box 7035, 40700 Shah Alam, Selangor
Phone: +603-5544 6000
Email: corporate@sirim.my
Website: www.sirim.my
Other Key Organizations
Malaysia Halal Council (MHC)
The Malaysia Halal Council is a non-governmental organization that represents halal industry stakeholders. It serves as a platform for industry collaboration and advocacy.
Key roles:
- Industry representation and advocacy
- Promoting halal best practices
- Facilitating public-private partnerships
- Supporting halal SME development
Website: www.halal.org.my
MESTI - Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation
MESTI plays a supporting role in halal development through:
- Funding halal research and development
- Supporting halal technology innovation
- Facilitating scientific collaboration
- Promoting halal biotechnology
Phone: +603-8885 8000
Website: www.mosti.gov.my
MATRADE - Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation
MATRADE promotes Malaysian halal products in international markets through:
- International trade missions and exhibitions
- Market intelligence and research
- Export assistance programs
- Business matching services
- Halal market entry support
Phone: +603-2176 0136
Website: www.matrade.gov.my
MITI - Ministry of International Trade and Industry
MITI oversees halal trade policy and provides strategic direction for halal industry development, including:
- Halal trade policy formulation
- International trade agreements
- Investment facilitation
- Industrial development planning
Phone: +603-8000 8000
Website: www.miti.gov.my
International Recognition and MRAs
Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs)
Malaysia has established Mutual Recognition Arrangements with numerous countries to facilitate halal trade. These agreements ensure that Malaysian halal certification is recognized and accepted internationally.
Countries with Halal MRAs:
International Bodies Recognition
Malaysian halal certification is recognized by major international Islamic organizations:
- OIC/SMIIC: Organisation of Islamic Cooperation - Standards and Metrology Institute
- IHAF: International Halal Accreditation Forum
- WHC: World Halal Council
- WHFC: World Halal Food Council
- GCC: Gulf Cooperation Council countries
Global Halal Standards Harmonization
Malaysia actively participates in international halal standards development:
- Contributing to OIC/SMIIC halal standards
- Participating in Codex Alimentarius halal guidelines
- Leading ASEAN halal harmonization efforts
- Bilateral standards alignment programs
How These Bodies Work Together
Integrated Governance Framework
Malaysia's halal regulatory bodies operate within an integrated framework that ensures seamless coordination:
Policy Level
Cabinet Committee on Halal Industry Development provides strategic direction and policy coordination across ministries.
Regulatory Level
JAKIM serves as the central halal authority, coordinating with state religious departments for implementation.
Standards Level
SIRIM develops standards in consultation with JAKIM and industry stakeholders.
Development Level
HDC drives industry growth and infrastructure development in alignment with national halal policies.
Promotion Level
MATRADE and MITI promote Malaysian halal products globally while HDC facilitates business development.
Coordination Mechanisms
- National Halal Council: High-level coordination body chaired by the Prime Minister
- Technical Committees: Joint committees for standards development and review
- Halal Executive Committee: Operational coordination between agencies
- State-Federal Coordination: Regular meetings between JAKIM and state departments
- Industry Consultations: Regular engagement with private sector stakeholders
Information Sharing Systems
Integrated digital systems ensure efficient information flow:
- MYeHALAL: Centralized halal certification management system
- Verify Halal Portal: Public verification platform for halal certificates
- Halal MIS: Management information system for regulatory agencies
- Industry Portal: Business facilitation and information platform
Contact Information & Useful Resources
Key Websites
Halal Helplines
JAKIM Halal Hotline
1-800-88-7280
General halal inquiries
HDC Business Support
+603-2615 8888
Business and export inquiries
Halal Standards Documents
Malaysian Halal Standards can be purchased from SIRIM:
- Online: www.msonline.gov.my
- Email: marketing@sirim.my
- Phone: +603-5544 6000
Training and Certification
For halal training and professional certification:
JAKIM Halal Training Institute
Email: latihan@islam.gov.my
Phone: +603-8892 5000
Important Notes
- Always verify halal status through official channels before making claims
- Contact information may change; verify through official websites
- For urgent matters, contact JAKIM's main line during office hours
- State departments may have different operating hours and procedures
- International inquiries should be directed to HDC or MATRADE
Need More Information?
For specific inquiries about halal certification, regulations, or business opportunities, contact the relevant organization directly using the information provided above.
Last updated: January 2025 | Information sourced from official government websites and publications