When we talk about halal, people will look at JAKIM,” said the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) Director-General Dato’ Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee.
Malaysia’s halal industry is growing rapidly, presenting new opportunities for businesses. Halal certification applications have increased by 26.09 per cent between 2023 and 2024, with applications rising from 15,612 to 19,686, totalling over 4,000 more applications.
Approvals also rose by 4.41 per cent, from 10,451 in 2023 to 10,912 in 2024.
The observed increase in halal certification applications and approvals is a result of the shared efforts of JAKIM and state-level authorities.
Sirajuddin credited the Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad
Zahid Hamidi for this significant growth: “The Halal On Track (HOT) programme, introduced under his guidance, has been a game-changer.
“It has enabled us to engage with businesses across all states, address their concerns, and streamline the certification process.”
Launched in Aug 2023, HOT is designed to equip businesses with information, guidance, and training needed to navigate the evolving landscape of halal certification.
“The public has minimal knowledge about the certification process. They often perceived it as complicated and difficult to navigate.”
“Some even gave up on obtaining certification without even consulting the relevant authorities.”
In order to increase businesses’ understanding of the process, JAKIM collaborates with key industry stakeholders like the Halal Development Corporation (HDC), halal training providers, and other strategic partners. In the long run, this will lead to fewer rejected applications.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
At present, JAKIM is working closely with technical experts to upgrade MYeHALAL to MYeHALAL 2.0.
“The system, which is currently under development, will leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline and automate certain aspects of the halal certification process.
“AI will help enhance application processing efficiency and audit accuracy, ultimately expediting the certification timeline.”
An AI-powered mobile app is also in the works. This AI-powered tool will enable users to check a product’s halal status and receive instant verification based on JAKIM’s database.
“We hope to have this application available to consumers within the next two months,” told Sirajuddin.
Alongside the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI), JAKIM is exploring the use of blockchain technology. This initiative is aimed at enhancing traceability, transparency, and authentication in the halal meat supply chain.
“These technological advancements align with the National Halal Policy’s focus on technology and innovation. The National Halal Policy 2035 and the National Halal Action Plan 2025-2030 further emphasise incorporating new technologies like AI and blockchain into the halal industry,” noted Sirajuddin.
15-DAY TARGET
Over the years, JAKIM has progressively reduced the halal certification process timeline, with the latest trial targeting 15 days.
Previously, obtaining a halal certification could take up to 60 days or more. However, with the introduction of the Malaysian Halal Certification Immediate Initiative (ISPHM) 2.0 in 2023, JAKIM has reduced processing times, and simplified the halal certification process.
Following the success of ISPHM 2.0, today, 77 per cent of applications are processed within 30 days.
To further reduce the halal certification process to 15 days, JAKIM is adopting a more centralised and digital approach:
• MYeHALAL 2.0 System: This system is announced in the 2025 Budget by Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim. This upgraded system aims to reduce processing time from 30 days to between 15 and 23 days.
• Myhalal Ingredients Database: This system eliminates redundant verification steps. Businesses can select pre-approved ingredients from an extensive database. Since only halal-certified ingredients are listed in Myhalal Ingredients, it speeds up application processing times.
• Mobile Auditing Technology: The introduction of mobile auditing solutions enables auditors to conduct real-time site audits and submit reports on-site, eliminating delays caused by manual data entry.
“With these enhancements in place, we are confident about achieving our 15-day target for halal certification,” stated Sirajuddin.
JAKIM also aims to expedite halal certification approvals by reducing delays caused by insufficient auditing capacity. In support of this, the government has allocated funding in the 2025 budget for 100 additional halal auditors.
These new auditors, whose recruitment is expected to be completed by March or April 2025, will be deployed to the state religious authorities, addressing the lack of auditors at the state level.
Despite Malaysia’s proactive measures, some industry players still perceive halal certification as a cumbersome and costly process. Programmes like HOT are designed to address this by providing education and support.
Sirajuddin highlighted the affordability of halal certification: “The fee is only RM100 per year. So why do some businesses still hold onto the misconception that halal certification is expensive?”
He reiterated that halal certification is a strategic investment, not red tape.
“If your product is halal-certified, you can reach global markets and achieve your business targets.”
JAKIM continues to advocate for greater industry participation, reinforcing the message that halal certification is a gateway to growth, not a regression.
