Redzuan Questions Why It’s So Difficult to Get Halal Certification for Banana Chips

KUALA LUMPUR – Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof has questioned the difficulties faced by Malaysian entrepreneurs in obtaining halal certification from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), particularly for simple products like banana chips.

Speaking at the National Annual Conference of the National Cooperative Movement of Malaysia Berhad (ANGKASA), Redzuan expressed frustration over the complex and time-consuming process, which he says affects small Muslim business owners.

“I recently had a conversation with someone in JAKIM. I asked why it’s so difficult for a Muslim woman selling fish crackers in Terengganu to get halal certification,” he said. “They’ve been making and selling those crackers for generations. It’s a Muslim product. Yet to get a halal stamp for banana chips is a hassle. Two to three months of paperwork and procedures—it involves cost.”

He remarked sarcastically, “We’ve been eating banana chips for 60 years—are they suddenly not halal?”

The Alor Gajah MP said that such bureaucratic delays impose an unnecessary burden on micro-entrepreneurs, especially those in the B40 (lower-income) group. He noted that after voicing his concerns, JAKIM officials informed him of plans to implement a faster system to help streamline the certification process for small businesses.

“When we raise issues clearly and confidently, they understand and are willing to help,” he said. “That’s why I urge us to speak up—because we are Muslims. Is it really that hard to make halal banana chips? It shouldn’t be. Our religion is about making things easier, not harder.”

Redzuan also criticized Malaysia’s sluggish progress in developing its halal industry, especially when compared to regional neighbors.

“Globally, the halal industry is being actively discussed, yet here in Malaysia we are moving slowly. In Thailand, their halal industry is more advanced. I’m impressed with what I’ve seen in Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia—they’ve even established dedicated ‘Halal Districts’.”

“We talk about innovation and manufacturing halal products, but we’re still stuck debating certification. JAKIM is still debating what’s halal and what’s not, while countries like Japan and Thailand are racing ahead,” he added.

Redzuan warned that the nation risks falling behind and potentially imposing restrictions that benefit only a specific group, while sidelining low-income entrepreneurs who also deserve access to halal certification and market opportunities.

–Source