Asri Mat Daud, the state chairman for the Islamic development, dakwah, information and regional relations committee, said the Kota Bharu Municipal Council will be the first to enforce this requirement.

“God willing, other local councils (in the state) will follow suit and implement this (rule) in the near future,” he was quoted as saying in an Utusan Malaysia report.

The exact timeline for enforcement across the state has not yet been specified.

Since 1974, halal certification has been voluntary at the federal level.

Deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi previously said halal certification would only be required for companies willing to comply with all the relevant requirements, standards and regulations.

Asri said 453 premises, including hotels, pharmacies and hair salons, had been awarded halal certificates from January till this month across Kelantan.

Of these, 405 are owned by Malays and 48 by non-Muslims.

“To obtain the halal certificate, businesses must meet eight specific criteria. It’s not just about food and beverages; it also covers the kitchen area and the use of halal ingredients and products,” he said.

“We conduct (surprise) inspections at these premises in collaboration with the Kelantan Islamic affairs department, the Islamic development department, the health ministry, the domestic trade and cost of living ministry, and local authorities.”