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The recent Pakar Pertanian Expo 2024 ( PPE ), held from March 1-3 at MAEPs in Serdang , Selangor , featured some notable speakers , two of whom were from the International Institute for Halal Research and Training ( INHART ), UIA . They were its Head of Halal Awareness , Information and Outreach , Assoc Prof Dr Betania Kartika Muflih and INHART ’ s Assist Prof Dr Nurhidayu Al-saari .

Their talk shed light on applying the halalan toyyiban concept in Malaysia , emphasising the importance of adhering to Islamic principles in agricultural practices . The concept of halalan tayyiban is not only about cleanliness and purity , but also about fulfilling the quality in products , processing and consumer delivery systems .

“ Halal agriculture , rooted in Islamic law , ensures that farming activities align with the permissible ( halal ) and prohibited ( haram ) actions outlined in sharia ,” Dr Betania explained .

“ The goal is to guarantee that food and agricultural products meet Islamic regulations and dietary standards while upholding sustainability , fairness and environmental responsibility .

“ When we think of sustainability , the words safety and security often go hand in hand .”

EMBRACING SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES

Dr Nurhidayu emphasised the significance of agriculture as not just traditional farming but a crucial component of the large-scale agroindustry , vital for national income and revenues .

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“ Halal agriculture , rooted in Islamic law , ensures that farming activities align with the permissible ( halal ) and prohibited ( haram ) actions outlined in sharia .” – Dr Betania Kartika Muflih

According to Islamic beliefs , engaging in farming and providing food to others is viewed as an act of charity , aligning with the principles of halalan toyyiban . The integration of halalan toyyiban and conventional agriculture holds immense potential to revolutionise the food system .

Natural and organic farming practices , reduced water usage , and carbon emissions can enhance sustainability while ensuring animal welfare , and humane slaughter methods improve meat quality and relieve stress .

Moreover , traceability and transparency in the supply chain , fair labour standards , and ethical sourcing contribute to consumer confidence .

Dr Betania also highlighted that encouraging conscious consumption practices aligned with sustainable development goals and Islamic stewardship principles .

“ Embracing sustainable practices can revolutionise the entire food system ,

from farm to fork . The integration of halalan toyyiban and conventional agroindustry practices forms the foundation of the halal agroindustry ,” she said .

Furthermore , as Malaysia stands among the top 10 countries well-positioned to address the global opportunity in agriculture according to the Global Islamic Economy Indicator ( GIEI ), the halalan toyyiban concept also aligned with the 2030 UN SDGs ( United Nations Sustainable Development Goals ), stressing the responsibility to safeguard the planet for future generations .

THE FUTURE OF HALAL STANDARDS

Dr Nurhidayu aimed for a more forwardthinking approach by combining the halalan toyyiban concept with the One Health ( OH ) approach .

“ This collaborative method acknowledges the intricate connection between humans , animals and environmental health , promoting a holistic perspective in agricultural practices where food safety is one of its core tenets .”

As part of her future goal , Dr Nurhidayu is pursuing a halal certification course to address challenges in aquafeed production , including non-halal components and genetically modified crops . She believed establishing halal standards for aquafeed is vital , considering reports of non-permissible ingredients in commercial feeds over the years .

She concluded that INHART wished to embrace sustainable halal agriculture in Malaysia to ensure adherence to Islamic principles and contribute to food security , ethical farming practices , and a healthier planet for future generations . – @ AGROBiz