Malaysia Seeks to Improve Halal Standards with AI and Blockchain Integration

The Malaysian government is exploring the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technologies to enhance the real-time monitoring of international halal certification bodies, according to Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs).

This initiative aims to ensure that halal certifications issued by foreign agencies align with the standards set by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim).

He said during question time in the Dewan Rakyat on 5 March:

"AI allows for automatic analysis of compliance data, identifying certification inconsistencies and issuing early warnings of non-compliance. Blockchain technology ensures that each stage of the halal supply chain is recorded and verified in a transparent and immutable manner, enhancing monitoring efficiency and integrity."

Responding to a question from Datuk Mumtaz Md Nawi in the Dewan Rakyat, Na’im confirmed that the government is investigating the potential of these technologies to improve halal certification oversight.

Additionally, he revealed that Jakim is studying the use of AI to support Islamic teachings and laws.

He noted:

“The efforts to use AI in determining the hukum (Islamic law) will also be considered by Jakim. This was to ensure that the technology can be used wisely and will make sure that the data collected by AI is shariah-compliant.”

Can AI Really Be Used for Islamic Teachings?

AI can serve as a valuable tool in understanding and disseminating Islamic teachings and laws by providing instant access to religious knowledge.

It can analyse vast Islamic texts, including the Quran and Hadith, to answer religious inquiries while assisting scholars in organizing and summarising fatwas from various schools of thought.

AI-powered chatbots and voice assistants can offer guidance on daily religious practices such as prayer times and fasting rules.

Additionally, AI enhances accessibility by translating Islamic books and sermons into multiple languages and providing contextual analysis of Quranic verses and Hadith.

It also plays a role in education through interactive lessons and personalised learning experiences while helping to detect misinformation by verifying religious claims against authentic sources.

However, while AI can enhance access to Islamic knowledge, it remains a supplementary tool, as religious rulings and interpretations ultimately require human scholarly expertise.