NETIZENS are playing a much more active role in ascertaining whether makan outlets have the requisite halal certification from JAKIM a.k.a. the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia by sharing info on social media platforms with Muslim diners.
A quick check on JAKIM’s website will show the complete listing of FnB (food and beverage) operators that have met the stringent criteria required to be certified halal.
Recently well-known franchise Bungkus Kaw Kaw which is highly popular with Muslim diners who are attracted by its menu featuring typical Malaysian faves has come under the spotlight as it is not listed as possessing the halal certification.
It must be noted that the franchise has never claimed to be halal certified but assured that no pork, lard or alcohol is used in the preparation of its food.
As mentioned on the Have Halal Will Travel website, all of Bungkus Kaw Kaw’s food ingredients are sourced from halal suppliers. But it advises Muslim patrons to dine at their discretion.
However, when highlighted on individual social media platforms, there are inevitably comments that seek to cast aspersions claiming that such outlets are trying to deceive Muslim customers. Quite a few of these comments have barely disguised racist content.
These were some of the comments found on Abang Ameen’s Facebook page on the issue of Bungkus Kaw Kaw’s halal status:
Based on the comment above, what are franchise owners to do? Are they forbidden from using Malay words or even colloquial terms in their branding?
Many outlets also find the cost of halal certification prohibitive hence the proprietors resort to merely stating that their outlets are “Muslim-friendly/pork-free” which is, of course, a claim that is unchecked by the authorities.
Maybe it is time for JAKIM to re-evaluate the process, especially with regard to costs. This will go a long way to benefit all small and medium enterprises (SMEs), including Muslim-owned businesses.
The halal issue is one that all Muslims here take very seriously. Shouldn’t JAKIM be doing more to help put consumers at ease when dining out by making certification process not less stringent but less costly?
Over to you JAKIM … – Dec 6, 2023
