Jakim has denied a remark made in a speech by Umno vice-president Ismail Sabri Yaakob who claimed on Sept 13 that Malaysia's halal certification process now falls under the Finance Ministry.

"Jakim denied this statement and confirms that up to now, Jakim and the Islamic religious authorities in the relative states are still responsible for halal certification," said Jakim's Corporate Communications Unit in a statement last night.

This came after a report in The Star quoted Ismail as saying "although the new government is seen to be led by the Malays, it is indirectly run by DAP", before going on to claim that the halal logo certification, which had come under Jakim, is now under the Finance Ministry.

"And we all know who runs the Finance Ministry," the Bera MP was reported as claiming at the Himpunan Penyatuan Ummah 2019 gathering on Friday.

Denying his statement, Jakim expressed its hope that its role in halal certification would continue to be of benefit to parties, both domestic and foreign, and help play a role in building a stable and competitive economy.