Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs) Mohd Na’im Mokhtar stressed that the proposal to mandate halal certification for eateries and food businesses not serving pork and alcohol was just a suggestion.

He also said no study has been conducted on the matter yet.

Touching on the controversy it created, Na’im said he made the remark after being asked by a reporter about halal certification who cited concerns among the Muslim community.

“The reporter asked whether Jakim (Islamic Development Department) has plans to...