Two companies in Melaka, a coffee producer and a biscuit manufacturer, have been instructed to immediately stop using the Malaysia Halal Certification (SPHM) logo and to recall all products previously distributed after their certification was revoked.
State Education, Higher Education and Religious Affairs Exco Datuk Rahmad Mariman said both companies were required to implement corrective measures, including ritual cleansing (sertu) in accordance with Islamic law and established guidelines, before any consideration for reapplication of the halal certification would be made.
He explained that the action was necessary to ensure all equipment used in production is free from non-halal or doubtful elements, which are fundamental requirements in halal certification, including issues related to contamination involving severe impurities.
Rahmad also stressed that the companies are no longer allowed to display the halal logo at their premises. He warned that any violation of the directive could result in enforcement action, including notices and compound fines by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN).He made the remarks during a press briefing following a religious event held in Melaka, adding that the revocation was carried out in accordance with strict compliance standards under the Malaysian Halal Certification Procedures Manual (Domestic) 2020 (Amendment), which covers serious non-compliance involving Shariah-related breaches in handling, storage, and processing of non-halal materials.
According to him, the action taken by the Melaka Islamic Religious Department (JAIM) is part of routine enforcement procedures carried out continuously to ensure industry compliance.
He further emphasised that halal compliance is a shared responsibility that requires ongoing commitment from all parties, while noting that JAIM acted cautiously while awaiting final laboratory results from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) before confirming the full revocation process.
The affected companies will only be allowed to reapply for halal certification after completing the required sertu process at their facilities and undergoing strict monitoring and reassessment procedures in accordance with SPHM guidelines.
Rahmad also advised industry players to carefully monitor every aspect of their supply chain, including raw materials, equipment, and processing methods, to ensure continuous compliance with halal standards and avoid any compromise on integrity.
The issue came to light after media reports confirmed that a coffee and biscuit factory in Melaka had its halal certification revoked following the discovery of cleaning brushes believed to be made from pig bristles used in equipment maintenance, uncovered during inspections earlier this year by JAIM’s Halal Management Division.
