Gerakan chief clears the air over K'tan halal cert requirement
Gerakan president Dominic Lau has clarified that the Kelantan government’s halal certification requirement applies only to Muslim-operated food businesses, while non-halal food establishments remain unaffected.
Lau explained that he had contacted Kelantan Islamic Development, Proselytisation, Information, and Public Relations executive councillor Mohd Asri Mat Daud for clarification.
He was informed that the regulation specifically targets Muslim...
Summary
Gerakan president Dominic Lau clarifies that Kelantan’s new halal certification requirement applies only to Muslim-operated food businesses and non-Muslim operators already holding halal certification.
The policy aims to encourage voluntary halal certification among Muslim business operators without enforcing it universally.
Lau urges political leaders and the public to seek accurate information from policymakers rather than politicising or distorting policies, highlighting the need to preserve Malaysia’s multicultural harmony.
Gerakan president Dominic Lau has clarified that the Kelantan government’s halal certification requirement applies only to Muslim-operated food businesses, while non-halal food establishments remain unaffected.
Lau explained that he had contacted Kelantan Islamic Development, Proselytisation, Information, and Public Relations executive councillor Mohd Asri Mat Daud for clarification.
He was informed that the regulation specifically targets Muslim food operators and non-Muslim operators already holding halal certification.
“I expressed the non-Muslim community’s confusion about the new regulation to Asri, who assured me that non-halal food operators in Kelantan would not be affected.
“The purpose of this new policy is to encourage all Muslim business operators in the state to voluntarily apply for halal certification, without enforcing it universally,” he said.
According to Lau, Kelantan has 453 establishments with halal certification, including hotels, pharmacies, and barbershops. Of these, 405 are operated by Malays, while 48 are run by non-Muslims.
Preventing misinformation
Media reports yesterday quoted Asri as saying that food and beverage businesses across the state would soon require halal certification as a prerequisite for renewing their business licences.
Asri reportedly noted that this requirement has already been implemented by the Kota Bharu Municipal Council and will be expanded to other local authorities, with the Kelantan Islamic Religious Affairs Department working to facilitate small businesses in obtaining certification.
Lau, however, emphasised that his clarification should not be misconstrued as endorsing any political party or policy. Gerakan’s intention, he said, is solely to prevent misinformation and avoid misunderstandings.
He reaffirmed Gerakan’s unwavering commitment to preserving Malaysia’s harmonious multiracial, multireligious, and multicultural society.
In a statement today, he urged all parties, particularly political leaders, to seek clarification directly from policymakers if they have doubts about new regulations.
He criticised the politicisation or distortion of policies for creating unnecessary suspicion between communities, calling such actions highly irresponsible.
“Of late, our multicultural society has faced increasing challenges. What should be an environment of inclusivity and mutual trust is becoming fragile.
“Gerakan hopes policymakers will adopt a broader vision, taking into account the needs of all communities rather than prioritising narrow political interests,” he added.
Lau encouraged anyone with concerns about Kelantan’s new policies to reach out to the state government or the Kota Bharu Municipal Council for accurate information instead of relying on hearsay, which could cause unnecessary anxiety.
