Nga said local authorities imposing such conditions would be overstepping the jurisdiction of the Islamic development department, which is the main authority tasked with overseeing halal certification.

“The Cabinet decision states that the government encourages businesses to apply for halal certification, but it is not mandatory.

“Let me be clear – this cannot be enforced. We can only encourage halal certification.

“Therefore, local authorities must respect this and avoid action that contradicts the Cabinet’s decision as the nation’s highest executive body,” Sinar Harian quoted him as telling reporters after an event in Tambun, Perak, today.

He was commenting on the Kelantan government’s announcement yesterday that all food and beverage establishment owners in the state will soon be required to obtain halal certificates to renew their business licences.

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

Without specifying a timeline for its enforcement, Asri said other local councils in the state would implement the measure in the near future.

Nga said making halal certification compulsory for food operators would only increase operational difficulties and burden small businesses.

“For example, food stalls selling nasi lemak and banana fritters would have to bear additional costs just to meet the requirement for renewing their business licences,” he said.

He said renewal of halal certification involves annual audits that incur fees.

“Moreover, our country is multiracial, so we must also consider the needs of non-Malay operators who sell non-halal food,” he said.