Jakim: Halal logo cannot be used next to non-Islamic symbols

(Bernama) – The halal logo cannot be used on products together with non-Islamic religious symbols or those promoted in conjunction with non-Muslim religious festivals, said Datuk Othman Mustapha said.

The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) director-general said this in response to the Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association’s (PPIM) complaint about an image of a Hindu deity that was placed next to the halal logo on labels of certain brand of mineral water.

Othman said the move by the company clearly contravened the Malaysian Halal Certification Procedure Manual under Article 6.3 Packaging and Labeling, and that the company should change the image on the labels.

“If the company refuses to change it, we can suspend the halal certificate issued to the product,” he said in a statement Wednesday.