IT is difficult to discuss anything these days without it turning into an issue of race, religion or royalty.

The latest example is Jakim’s recommendation to mandate all businesses not serving pork and alcohol to obtain halal certification. This complicates things for business owners, including Muslims, and increases the cost of doing business, which usually results in higher prices.

Instead of a rational discussion, a shouting match ensued. Seputeh MP Teresa Kok’s logical argument against the proposal was drowned out by anti-Islam accusations.

This is a classic Malaysian case of shooting the messenger, especially when the messenger is an easy target.

I personally agree with the rule, at least for businesses that advertise themselves as “Muslim-friendly.” These establishments often attempt to imitate halal standards, so Jakim’s suggestion makes sense. If a product is presented as halal and targets a halal-conscious audience, it isn’t a stretch to ask these businesses to meet halal requirements.

This would also be fair to businesses that have gone the extra mile to obtain halal certification, If they can achieve this, surely other similar establishments aiming for the same market can.

This is already the norm in many Muslim-majority countries, particularly in the Gulf and Middle East.

While the common perception is that the demand for halal certification is largely driven by Malaysian Muslims, this may not be entirely true. Many non-Muslim businesses also seek halal certification to attract mixed customers. In fact, a recent report found that 76% of halal-certified establishments in Penang are non-Muslim owned, and 60% of halal-certified manufacturers are also non-Muslim. The certification helps them market their products more effectively.

On the other hand, many Muslim-owned eateries seem to rely solely on their identity to indicate they are “halal”. 

Apart from the cost, the complexity of applying for a halal certificate could also contribute to some businesses’ reluctance to go through the process. Some businesses are content catering to a non-Muslim clientele or Muslims who don’t mind, in which case the status quo should remain.

In our sensitive climate, a balance between “caveat emptor” (buyer beware) and “caveat venditor” (seller beware) should ensure customers get what they expect.

While Jakim and state Islamic authorities have streamlined their standards and processes, more could be done to make them more accessible. Delegating the application process to local councils, perhaps as an optional requirement alongside health and worker immigration status checks, could save time and effort, as cleanliness is a common requirement across most certifications, including halal.

Malaysians need to learn to discuss such matters calmly and harmoniously. This will not only preserve good relations between communities but also ensure that key issues are not overshadowed by sensationalism and posturing.

Food should serve as a unifying factor in our communities. Just as we have learned and adopted each other’s dietary preferences over the years, we should be able to compromise and accept each other’s points of view without turning every issue into an emotive and polarising debate. – September 12, 2024.

* Emmanuel Joseph firmly believes that Klang is the best place on Earth, and that motivated people can do far more good than any leader with motive.