Guide · Know
Halal Regulatory Bodies in Malaysia
JAKIM, State Islamic Departments, HDC, SIRIM, and the agencies that shape Malaysia's globally-recognised halal ecosystem.
Contents
Introduction
Malaysia is a global leader in halal certification and governance. The country's halal ecosystem is managed by multiple federal and state agencies working in coordination to maintain the highest standards of halal compliance — from raw materials to retail.
This multi-tiered framework serves as a model for many countries and is recognised by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and other international bodies.
JAKIM — Department of Islamic Development Malaysia
Role and responsibilities
The primary federal agency responsible for halal certification in Malaysia. Established in 1997, JAKIM operates under the Prime Minister's Department as the competent authority for halal matters at federal level.
- • Developing halal standards and procedures
- • Processing halal certification applications
- • Conducting halal audits and inspections
- • Monitoring compliance with halal requirements
- • Managing the Malaysia Halal logo
- • Providing halal training and consultation
Organisational structure
Halal Hub Division
Main division handling halal certification
Research Division
Halal-related research and development
Management Services Division
Provides administrative support
Policy Division
Develops halal policies and guidelines
Halal Hub Division functions
- 1
Certification Processing
Evaluating and approving halal certification applications
- 2
Audit & Inspection
On-site audits of production facilities
- 3
Standards Development
Creating and updating Malaysian Halal Standards
- 4
International Relations
Managing halal cooperation with foreign countries
- 5
Enforcement
Monitoring compliance and acting on violations
Contact JAKIM
Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia, Blok D7, Kompleks D, Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, 62519 Putrajaya
State Islamic Religious Departments (JAINs)
JAINs work in partnership with JAKIM to implement halal certification at state level — particularly for SMEs, food premises, restaurants, and slaughterhouses within their jurisdiction.
Wilayah Persekutuan
JAKIM-Federal
Federal Territories (JAWI)
Selangor
JAIS
Jabatan Agama Islam Selangor
Pulau Pinang
JAIP
Jabatan Hal Ehwal Agama Pulau Pinang
Johor
JAIJ
Jabatan Agama Islam Johor
Kelantan
JHEAIK
Jabatan Hal Ehwal Agama Kelantan
Terengganu
JHEAT
Jabatan Hal Ehwal Agama Terengganu
Perak
JAIPP
Jabatan Hal Ehwal Agama Perak
Pahang
JHEAIPP
Jabatan Hal Ehwal Agama Pahang
Negeri Sembilan
JHEAIN
Jabatan Hal Ehwal Agama Negeri Sembilan
Melaka
JAIM
Jabatan Agama Islam Melaka
Kedah
JHEIK
Jabatan Hal Ehwal Agama Kedah
Perlis
MUIP
Majlis Ugama Islam Perlis
Sabah
JHEAINS
Jabatan Hal Ehwal Agama Sabah
Sarawak
JAIS-Sarawak
Jabatan Hal Ehwal Agama Sarawak
HDC — Halal Development Corporation
Mission and objectives
Established in 2006 under MITI, HDC's mission is to develop Malaysia as a global halal hub and grow the halal industry through standards, infrastructure, and market access.
- • Facilitating halal standards and certification development
- • Promoting Malaysian halal products and services globally
- • Developing halal parks and infrastructure
- • Business matching and market access support
- • Halal industry research and development
HALMAS (Halal Parks)
- Negeri Sembilan
HALMAS Pedas
Food and beverages
- Kelantan
HALMAS Pasir Mas
Agricultural and livestock processing
- Sarawak
HALMAS Tanjung Manis
Integrated halal hub
- Johor
HALMAS Sedenak
Halal ingredients and pharmaceuticals
- Pahang
HALMAS Gambang
Cosmetics and personal care
Industry development programs
Halal Integrated Platform (HIP)
Digital ecosystem for halal businesses
Halal Training Programs
Capacity building for industry professionals
Market Development Grants
Financial support for halal exporters
Halal Innovation Programs
R&D support for new halal products
International Halal Showcase (MIHAS)
Annual halal trade exhibition
Contact HDC
Level 30 Menara TH Perdana, 1001 Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
SIRIM Berhad
Halal standards development
The Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia develops Malaysian Standards (MS) for halal products. SIRIM works closely with JAKIM and industry to create comprehensive halal standards.
Halal Food Production, Preparation, Handling and Storage
Halal Packaging
Halalan-Toyyiban Assurance Pipeline
Muslim Friendly Hospitality Services
Halal Pharmaceuticals
Islamic Consumer Goods
Testing and technical services
Laboratory Testing
Detection of non-halal ingredients (porcine, alcohol)
DNA Analysis
Species identification for meat products
Chemical Analysis
Verification of ingredient compliance
Certification Services
Product certification against halal standards
Training Programs
Halal auditor and technical training
Consultancy
Halal compliance advisory services
Contact SIRIM
1 Persiaran Dato' Menteri, P.O. Box 7035, 40700 Shah Alam, Selangor
Other Key Organizations
Malaysia Halal Council (MHC)
Non-governmental body representing halal industry stakeholders.
- • Industry representation and advocacy
- • Promoting halal best practices
- • Public-private partnerships
- • Halal SME development
MOSTI — Science, Technology & Innovation
Supports halal R&D, technology innovation, and scientific collaboration.
MATRADE
Promotes Malaysian halal products in international markets through trade missions and export assistance.
MITI — International Trade and Industry
Oversees halal trade policy and provides strategic direction for industry development.
International Recognition & MRAs
Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs)
Malaysia has MRAs with the following countries, ensuring Malaysian halal certification is recognised and accepted internationally:
International body recognition
- OIC/SMIIC
Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries
- IHAF
International Halal Accreditation Forum
- WHC
World Halal Council
- WHFC
World Halal Food Council
- GCC
Gulf Cooperation Council countries
Global standards harmonisation
- • Contributing to OIC/SMIIC halal standards
- • Participating in Codex Alimentarius halal guidelines
- • Leading ASEAN halal harmonisation efforts
- • Bilateral standards alignment programs
How These Bodies Work Together
Level 1 · Policy
Cabinet Committee on Halal Industry Development sets strategic direction across ministries.
Level 2 · Regulatory
JAKIM coordinates with state religious departments for implementation.
Level 3 · Standards
SIRIM develops standards with JAKIM and industry input.
Level 4 · Development
HDC drives industry growth and infrastructure.
Level 5 · Promotion
MATRADE and MITI promote Malaysian halal globally.
Coordination mechanisms
- • National Halal Council — chaired by the Prime Minister
- • Technical Committees — joint standards development
- • Halal Executive Committee — operational coordination
- • State-Federal — regular JAKIM ↔ JAINs meetings
- • Industry Consultations — private sector engagement
Information sharing systems
- • MYeHALAL — centralized halal certification management
- • Verify Halal Portal — public certificate verification
- • Halal MIS — management information system
- • Industry Portal — business facilitation platform
Contacts & Resources
Key websites
Halal helplines
Halal standards documents
Malaysian Halal Standards can be purchased from SIRIM:
- • Online: msonline.gov.my
- • Email: marketing@sirim.my
- • Phone: +603-5544 6000
Training providers
JAKIM Halal Training Institute
HDC Training Programs
SIRIM Training Services
Important
- • Always verify halal status through official channels before making claims
- • Contact info may change — confirm via official websites
- • State departments have different operating hours and procedures
- • International inquiries: direct to HDC or MATRADE
Need to verify a halal certificate?
Use the official MYeHALAL portal to verify any product, company, or premise's halal status in seconds.
Last updated: January 2025 · Sourced from official government websites and publications.