KLUANG: The clash between Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh and Seputeh MP Teresa Kok over the halal certification issue has come to a close, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Deputy Prime Minister stated that the widely-discussed halal certification issue is no longer a concern.

“I have already given an official statement on Wednesday (Sept 18) about the Cabinet’s decision to maintain the status quo for the halal certification.

“It will remain optional for food operators to get their food certified halal,” he told reporters during his visit to Kem Mahkota here on Thursday (Sept 19).

He was asked to comment on efforts to tone down the halal certification issue.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Umno president, added that he had met with Muhamad Akmal on Sept 14 and spoken to DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke about the matter.

“(The matter) has toned down. It has come to a close,” he added.

In his earlier statement, Ahmad Zahid also encouraged food operators to get halal certification as this gives them access to a bigger market as Muslims can eat there without any worries.

"After consideration, the Cabinet has agreed to allow the status quo of halal certification as voluntary, the same as it was first introduced in 1974 and strengthened in 2011," he reportedly said.

The Cabinet made the decision after it was tabled by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar on Wednesday (Sept 18).

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/19/akmal-teresa-halal-cert-tiff-is-done-optional-certification-stays-on-the-menu-says-ahmad-zahid