Azlan Othman
Some 35 eateries were found without halal certification during an operation by the Halal Food Control Division at the Syariah Affairs Department recently.
The 35 eateries were given six months to apply for the certification.
The operation targetted Kampong Kiarong, Kampong Mata-Mata and Kampong Beribi with 89 eateries inspected.
It was held to enforce Section 4(1) and Section 10(1)(a) Halal Certificate Order and Halal Label 2005, which is the obligation for food businesses to apply for halal certification, in force since an amendment to the legislation in 2017.
The application to obtain the halal certificate or halal permit for food businesses operating in the country is mandatory.
The Syariah Affairs Department urged food businesses yet to acquire the halal certificate or halal permit to apply immediately.
The failure to do so will lead to legal action under Section 4(5) and Section 10(6) of the Halal Certificate and Halal Label (Amendment) Order, 2017 with a fine up to BND8,000 or maximum of two years’ imprisonment or both.
Holders of the halal certificate and halal permit are reminded to ensure that they are valid and should renew their certificates within three months of its expiration date.
