Jakim

Jakim, officially the Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia), is a federal government department in Malaysia responsible for coordinating and promoting Islamic affairs nationwide. It operates under the Prime Minister’s Department and serves as the central body for coordinating with state Islamic authorities, muftis, and religious councils.

Its core roles include formulating national policies on Islamic affairs, administering the halal certification system, promoting Islamic education and da’wah, and providing guidance on matters of Islamic law. Jakim chairs the National Fatwa Council and provides the secretariat for fatwa deliberations, while overseeing halal standards and the Malaysia Halal Certification scheme, which certifies halal products and services for domestic and international markets. The department also supports research, publications, and guidance on religious practices for Malaysian Muslims.

History and scope: Jakim was established in 1997 to unify and strengthen the management of Islamic development in Malaysia by consolidating several existing agencies and policies under the federal government. The aim was to create uniform guidance across states and to enhance the country’s Islamic institutions, education, and regulatory framework.

Organization and governance: Led by a director-general, Jakim is organized into divisions covering areas such as Islamic education and da’wah, fatwas and jurisprudence, halal certification, and development of Islamic resources. It collaborates with the 13 state religious councils and works within the broader framework of Malaysia’s Islamic governance.

Impact: As a central authority on Islamic affairs and halal regulation, Jakim shapes policy, standards, and public guidance for Muslim life in Malaysia and engages with international partners on halal certification and religious affairs.