‘Fee is reasonable’: MIS pushes seafood outlets in S’wak to apply halal status

KUCHING (Jan 9): The Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS) is taking a proactive approach by engaging directly with food outlet operators, particularly those in the seafood sector, to assist them in applying for halal certification, said its president, Datuk Misnu Taha.

According to MIS records, only 14 seafood restaurants in Sarawak are currently halal-certified, with 10 located in Kuching and four in Bintulu.

“We go to the relevant areas. When we know there are seafood outlets, we offer them the opportunity to apply for halal certification and assist them throughout the application process,” he told reporters after the special gathering with Sarawak State Secretary at the Sarawak Islamic Complex here on Friday.

He was asked about the MIS list posted on the Islamic Information Centre Majlis Islam Sarawak Facebook page.

The cost of obtaining halal certification is reasonable, with a fee of about RM200 for two years, designed to encourage more operators to participate.

Misnu added that once a premise is certified, MIS will actively promote it through media and relevant platforms.

“For this reason, I urge all halal food outlets to apply for halal certification. Once certified, we can help with promotion,” he said.

Beyond certification, MIS is also working to establish halal zones in selected areas to provide more effective halal services.

While some areas are not yet ready to participate, efforts to expand the initiative are ongoing.

The programme has also been extended to shopping centres and hotels, with several locations making progress as more premises obtain halal certification.

Addressing public misconceptions, Misnu stressed that “Muslim-friendly” does not equate to halal-certified.

“Muslim-friendly does not mean halal-certified. Without a halal certificate, it is not halal. Do not be easily misled by the term,” he explained.

He noted that MIS is working closely with relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), to address issues that may confuse consumers.

The public can verify the halal status of premises via the Sarawak Islamic Department (Jais) Jejak Halal application or contact Jais directly for clarification.