Revising Section 88A of Administration of Muslim Law Act 1966 to Include Overseas Halal Certificates Recognised by MUIS

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for Social and Family Development and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs (a) whether MUIS will consider revising section 88A of the Administration of Muslim Law Act 1966 to include overseas halal certificates to be officially recognised by MUIS; and (b) whether MUIS will provide an avenue for the public to (i) check and verify with MUIS recognition of halal certification marks from overseas halal certification bodies and (ii) report any breaches or misuse of such marks or certificates.

As part of the continual efforts to strengthen the halal regulatory regime, the Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) has been taking steps to prevent misuse or breaches of foreign halal certification marks. Following a comprehensive review of the Foreign Halal Certification Bodies (FHCB) Recognition Scheme in 2021, MUIS is strengthening the legislative framework for (a) recognising FHCB, (b) regulating the use of recognised foreign halal certificates in Singapore under the MUIS FHCB Recognition Scheme, and (c) imposing penalties on the misuse of FHCB marks or certificates.

The list of MUIS-recognised FHCB, including their respective halal certification marks, is published on MUIS’ website. Members of the public who wish to report any suspected cases of breaches or misuse of FHCB marks or certificates can contact MUIS with their concerns at 63591199 or info@muis.gov.sg.