Armizan said the enforcement of laws related to halal certificates is meant to raise awareness of their importance and increase compliance.

“We will study and consider any constructive suggestions and recommendations.

“The ministry is committed to working with the Islamic development department (Jakim) and state Islamic religious departments on this matter,” Kosmo quoted him as telling reporters at Universiti Teknologi Mara in Shah Alam today.

He was referring to a suggestion by federal territories deputy mufti Jamali Adnan that the ministry and Jakim study raising the fines imposed on premises that misuse halal certificates.

Armizan noted that the Trade Descriptions Act 2011 already imposes high fines for halal violations, providing for fines of up to RM200,000 for companies and RM100,000 and a year’s imprisonment for individuals.

“The Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking of Halal) Order 2011 provides punishments for those who use representations that can confuse Muslims in halal matters.

“(Companies) can be fined RM5 million, while individuals can be fined up to RM1 million and imprisoned for three years,” he said.