Generally, halal matters in Malaysia are governed by piece-meal legislation, inter alia, the Trade Descriptions Act (TDA) 2011 and its by-laws, the Food Act 1983, Food Regulations 1985, state-issued fatwas, and the rules and guidelines promulgated by relevant authorities, whether under the federal or state governments.
Consequently, as prescribed by the law, halal matters are assigned to various different entities. For instance, the Ministry of Domestic Trades, Cooperatives and Consumerism (KPDNHEP) supervises halal trade practices. Both the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and Islamic Religious Councils (IRCs) of the states take charge of the halal certification portfolio.
