Muslim businesses will also be punished for employing phony halal logos; the Domestic Trade Ministry claims to act against non-Muslim company owners utilizing Islamic emblems to fool consumers

The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living warned non-Muslim business owners that using Islamic symbols to deceive Muslim consumers would result in severe consequences.

In a written response to parliament, the ministry stated that these traders may be subject to the Trade Description (Definition of Halal) Order 2011, which imposes a maximum fine of RM1 million, imprisonment for three years, or both if found culpable.

“The Ministry stated in the reply yesterday that it is an offense under the Trade Description (Definition of Halal) Order 2011 for premises owned by non-Muslim traders to use symbols or writings associated with Islam, including the act of hanging verses of the Holy Quran, with the intention of deceiving or confusing Muslim consumers.”

The ministry, however, emphasized that traders, regardless of their religious affiliation, will be subject to severe consequences if they employ halal language to mislead consumers.

As per the Trade Description (Halal Certification and Marking of Halal) Order 2011, business proprietors are required to have a halal certificate in order to use language that denotes that a product is Halal.

The ministry responded to Maran MP Datuk Seri Ismail Abd Muttalib’s inquiry by stating that a violation of the order would result in a fine of no more than RM100,000, imprisonment for no more than three years, or both.