INTRODUCTION

The halal food industry has also attracted non-Muslim consumers looking for healthier and more ethical food options . As a result , many food and beverage companies have started offering halal-certified products to cater for this growing market segment . The impact seen in the food and beverage industry is also observed in other parts , including pharmaceuticals , cosmetics and the Islamic theme-entertainment , clothing and lifestyle .

In Malaysia , the significance of this industry cannot be understated , as it provides a substantial source of income and employment for the country . In 2018 , the Halal Development Corporation Bhd ( HDC ) estimated that the industry contributed approximately 7.8 per cent to the country ’ s gross domestic product ( GDP ) and employed over 330,000 people .

By 2025 , the halal industry will make up 8.1 per cent of the total Malaysian Gross Domestic Product ( GDP ). The halal industry is also very lucrative at the international level . With the world ’ s increasing appetite for halal products , the industry is poised for continued growth and expansion . It is estimated that there is currently an 80 per cent gap between the demand and production of global halal products .

IT IS NOT ALL GREEN IN THE HALAL INDUSTRY

While the growth of the halal industry is immensely encouraging , the increasing demand for halal products has led to a rise in fake certifications and non-compliant halalan toyyiban products being sold in the market , threatening the integrity and ‘ wholesomeness ’ hallmark of the industry .

The halal industry also faced environmental sustainability issues , waste management and animal welfare . Despite the zero-tolerance policy for animal abuse in Islam , this standard is not always upheld such that animal welfare is still being violated in industrial and cottage halal meat production .

In Malaysia , it is not unusual to observe farm animals being crammed into trucks and lorries . Chickens are often packed tightly in plastic crates and stacked on each other without food or water . Given the scenario being considered a mundane and run-of-the-mill issue for the halal industry , it is unfortunate that it fails to be the catalyst for reforming the animal welfare practices of the industry .

The wake-up call for the ethical practices and values in the halal industry was perhaps the 2020 meat cartel case involving RM30 million . While it was unearthed in December 2020 , the case was reported to exist for several years , indicating systemic problems in the supply chain .

A meat cartel was found to be involved in unethical business practices of smuggling meat that was disguised as halal-certified meat . The investigation revealed corruption and bribery within the government agencies

BY ANIS NAJIHA AHMAD

YUMI ZUHANIS HAS-YUN HASHIM AND

NURHIDAYU AL-SAARI

INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR HALAL RESEARCH AND TRAINING ( INHART ), INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA

responsible for controlling the importation of halal meat .

This case raised serious questions about the quality and safety of the halal products being produced and sold to consumers . It underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in the halal industry . It accentuates the need to invigorate values in the whole ecosystem of the halal industry .

SCRIPT - THE VISION OF MADANI MALAYSIA

ENTER the MADANI Malaysia , a national framework that could potentially be used to humanise and instil values into the halal industry . SCRIPT is the English equivalent of MADANI , which stands for sustainability , care and compassion , respect , innovation , prosperity , and trust . The national framework SCRIPT was launched in January 2023 by

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and aimed at leading Malaysia forward .

The vision for the SCRIPT framework is to create a sustainable , caring , respectful , innovative , prosperous , and trustworthy society in Malaysia , which are essential for building a thriving and dynamic future for the country . The vision of each element of SCRIPT is as follows :

• Sustainability – to build upon global standards to promote a new culture of sustainability in all aspects of life .

• Care and compassion – to reignite a caring and compassionate society within Malaysia .

• Respect – to forge a mutually respectful and just Malaysian society dedicated to inclusion , equality , integrity , and human dignity .

• Innovation – to promote a culture of inno-