The Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) says the plan for a new halal logo specifically for products produced by Muslims, may only create more confusion.
"This may cause confusion... how is it going to interact with with the other halal logos. And when the products get exported, who is going to recognise it," PPIM chief activist Nadzim Johan told Malaysiakini.
Nadzim was responding to news yesterday that the Malaysia Institute of International Islamic Cooperation (Ikiam) together with the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) will launch a halal logo specifically for Muslim products early next year.
Risda chairperson Zahidi Zainul Abidin said the new logo was necessary to distinguish between halal products made by Muslims and non-Muslims.
He added it would go hand in hand with the halal logo issued by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim).
Nadzim however pointed out that under the law, only Jakim and state Islamic religious councils are currently allowed to issue halal certificates and logos.
He was referring to the Trade Descriptions Act, which states that individuals who violates this provision, can be fined up to RM100,000 or imprisoned up to three years or both.
Corporate bodies meanwhile, can be fined up to RM250,000.
Meanwhile, Nadzi said, having a logo issued by Ikiam or Risda would create unnecessary competition.
"Felda will want to issue their own halal logo too. Maybe the Land Public Transport Commission (Spad) will want one too," he said in jest.
He added that it would be better if Jakim and the government look into the categories of halal certificates, rather than "to add another issue that is taxing the people".
PPIM had previously proposed that Jakim issue provisional halal certificates to make it easier for small traders to break into the halal market.
Nadzim had said this is for those who don't have the funds necessary to set up kitchens up to Jakim's high standards, but who are still making halal food.-Mkini
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