(Photo: theSun)

The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) is undertaking a comprehensive review of its recognition procedures for Foreign Halal Certification Bodies (FHCB) to ensure they remain relevant and in sync with the dynamic global halal landscape.

Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that Malaysia currently recognizes 85 FHCB from 47 different countries, which play a crucial role in certifying halal products imported into the nation.

“JAKIM conducts regular audits and inspections of recognized FHCB to ensure they comply with Malaysia’s halal standards. These audits include thorough document reviews, site visits to manufacturing facilities, and ongoing monitoring of foreign halal product certifications,” he explained during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat.

In response to a query from Datuk Mumtaz Md Nawi (PN-Tumpat) regarding the government’s strategies to ensure that foreign halal logos meet JAKIM’s standards, as well as plans to tighten international halal certification procedures, Mohd Na’im provided insights into the ongoing efforts.

He revealed that JAKIM is in the final stages of developing an online application system for FHCB recognition, known as MY IHAB. This new system aims to streamline the recognition process, enhancing JAKIM’s efficiency and integrity in managing FHCB applications.

Addressing Mumtaz’s follow-up question, he mentioned that the government is keen on leveraging technological advancements, exploring the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology to bolster real-time monitoring and compliance of FHCB.

“This initiative is part of our commitment to ensuring that all imported products meet JAKIM’s halal standards before they enter the Malaysian market. AI will facilitate automatic analysis of compliance data, identify inconsistencies in certification, and provide early warnings for any non-compliance issues,” he stated.

“On the other hand, blockchain technology will ensure that every step of the halal supply chain is transparently recorded and verified, making monitoring more efficient and reliable,” he added.

Mohd Na’im also mentioned that JAKIM may collaborate with FHCB to integrate AI and blockchain systems, further reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a global leader in technology-driven halal monitoring.

“In terms of utilizing AI for Islamic rulings and related matters, JAKIM will proceed with caution to ensure that this technology is applied appropriately. Furthermore, we will ensure that all data and decisions made using AI align with Islamic principles,” he concluded.

Mumtaz had inquired whether the government plans to adopt AI and blockchain technology for real-time monitoring of FHCB compliance, ensuring that foreign products adhere to JAKIM’s standards.

Original Article:

The Malaysian Reserve. (2025, April 6). JAKIM reviews FHCB recognition procedures to align with global halal standards. https://themalaysianreserve.com/2025/03/05/jakim-reviews-fhcb-recognition-procedures-to-align-with-global-halal-standards/