KUALA LUMPUR: Despite the abolition of the approved permit (AP) or import quota for some food items as recently announced by the government, any entry of halal food is still subject to halal certification by a foreign body recognised by Jakim.

       The Islamic Development Department’s (Jakim) Malaysia Halal Council Secretariat said all imported food and goods marketed in Malaysia could not be described as halal unless they comply with the requirements under Paragraphs 4 and 5 (1) of the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking of Halal) Order 2011.

       “To ensure the halal status of imported food, Jakim has recognised 84 foreign halal certification bodies from 46 countries around the world,” the secretariat said in a statement to Bernama.

       “They are responsible for overseeing and controlling the implementation of the halal system in abattoirs approved to export meat to Malaysia and industries that export their products into the country.”