By Norrasyidah Arshad
SHAH ALAM, Oct 22 — The increase in the number of Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) halal auditors next year is expected to encourage more entrepreneurs to apply for halal certification.
Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) director Datuk Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad said the agency will implement a similar measure to enhance efficiency in processes like monitoring and auditing at the state level.
“This is a progressive development by the government, and Jais will follow suit. With more officers appointed, we can conduct additional monitoring and auditing, which will speed up the application process.
“In Jais, the Halal Department has the most staff. This year, we have added 16 people and we will increase the number further next year,” he said when contacted.
During the tabling of Budget 2025 on Friday (October 18), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that 100 additional Jakim halal auditors will be appointed to expedite the issuance of halal certificates next year.
He said the MYeHALAL system has also been upgraded to integrate 20 government agencies and 100 international halal certification bodies under one platform.
Earlier this month, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari urged Bumiputera entrepreneurs to obtain halal certification to expand their business network.
He said obtaining halal certification would open doors for entrepreneurs to enter international markets, thereby boosting their revenue potential.
