PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim correctly points out that the concept of halal goes beyond simply avoiding pork and alcohol in food establishments. In the food industry, halal involves ensuring that food is prepared under modern health and hygienic standards.

However, Anwar overlooks the fact that there are multiple ways of preparing and serving food for non-halal methods are not inherently less hygienic or health-conscious.

His stance - whether intentional or not - seems to suggest that Islamic methods of food preparation are superior, hence marginalising other approaches.

It is clear why the government may want to promote the halal concept as it appeals to the Malay-Muslim demographic.

However, there is controversy surrounding the potential mandatory implementation of halal certification. Such a policy could impose significant financial burden on businesses in the food industry, particularly small and medium-sized restaurants - both Muslim and non-Muslim.

In Malaysia, the issue of halal certification transcends food preparation and delves into ethnicity and religion.

Even halal-certified non-Muslim restaurants often struggle to attract Muslim customers, highlighting that the divide is more about cultural and religious identity than certification.

While large, well-established restaurants may have the resources to comply with halal requirements, smaller establishments might find the costs prohibitive.

Imposing such regulations could overburden these businesses unnecessarily, especially considering that halal standards do not have a monopoly on cleanliness and hygiene.

It seems that certain bureaucratic interests, particularly those involved in religious affairs, may have financial motivations in pushing the halal industry.

Although Anwar argues that halal is not strictly a religious matter, he may be under-estimating the influence of the religious bureaucracy.

Ultimately, the implementation of halal standards should be voluntary, without any form of coercion.

Market forces should be allowed to dictate whether Malaysians choose to adopt the halal concept. The government would do well to refrain from excessive interference in the food industry by allowing businesses and consumers to make their own choices. - Sept 18, 2024

Former DAP stalwart and Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council.

https://focusmalaysia.my/ramasamy-no-guarantee-halal-cert-can-make-non-muslim-eateries-thrive-just-leave-it-to-market-forces-to-dictate/