@Halal March/April 2021 | Page 16

Khairy says country internationally recognised because of its halal certification system for halal vaccines
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Focus

@ Halal | March-April . 2021

Malaysia could capitalise on its Covid-19 vaccination efforts by becoming a regional hub for halal vaccines catering to Muslim countries , said Science , Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin .

As Malay Mail reported on Feb 17 , Khairy said Malaysia was approached by vaccine producers about using the country as a regional hub due to its internationally recognised halal certification system .
“ Many vaccine producers have approach us in wanting to position Malaysia as a hub for Southeast Asia and other Muslim markets around the world because of our well-regulated and stringent halal certifications , this seemed to be a value-add for the vaccine manufacturers ,” he said .
Khairy said among those that have expressed such an interest were Russian sovereign wealth funds , investors from India as well as companies related to vaccine producers in China .
He said investments in that area would boost Malaysia ’ s pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry .
However , Khairy added that any company looking to invest and set up a base in the country would first need to get approval

Malaysia could become hub

Khairy says country internationally recognised because of its halal certification system for halal vaccines
Many vaccine producers have approach us in wanting to position Malaysia as a hub for Southeast Asia says Khairy . from the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency ( NPRA ).
“ As long as they get necessary regulatory approval , seems to be safe and adhere to good practices , then Malaysia seems to be capable of being the hub for South-east Asia and other Muslim countries ,” he said .
Khairy also announced that CITF will ensure support given to the Ministry of Health in ensuring the success of the Covid- 19 national immunisation program .
He announced that Deputy Director General Of Health ( Public Health ) Datuk Dr Chong Chee Keong and Deputy Chief of Army Lt-Gen Datuk Mohammad Ab Rahman will lead the CITF management team .

Muslim communities across Preston reminded that Covid vaccination is halal

Muslim communities across Preston urged to take up the offer of the Covid-19 vaccination .
Qari Asim MBE , one of the UK ’ s leading Imams and trustee of the Light Foundation , has helped dispel any myths regarding the vaccine , encouraging Muslim communities to get vaccinated .
He said : “ At the Light Foundation , we are promoting the take up of the vaccine . Like all faith leaders , I want to stress that taking the vaccine is a vital part of breaking the cycles of lockdown to be with our loved ones again .
“ There is no religious reason for you not to take the vaccine . The covid vaccines administered in the UK are halal , permissible from an Islamic perspective , and there should be no hesitation in taking them from a moral
perspective .
“ MINAB is advocating this position through its proactive endeavour for the BAME communities to be vaccinated , as BAME communities are at very high risk of being infected by this lethal virus .
“ My message to Muslim communities is to make an informed choice and take up the offer when their turn for being vaccinated comes . Don ’ t miss the opportunity by believing in ‘ fake news ’ about the vaccines .
“ It is our ethical duty to protect ourselves and others from potential harm . By taking the vaccine , we are protecting ourselves and others from being infected by this deadly virus that is sweeping through our country and potentially saving lives .
“ It is imperative that we all contribute to
Qari Asim
the effort to fight this cruel pandemic that has impacted every single one of us .’ By having the vaccine when you are invited , you will be playing your part in protecting lives .
“ Equally , if you can volunteer at any of the vaccination sites , please do take up the opportunity ; by volunteering , you will be helping the NHS and your community .
“ At Light Foundation , we have been working tirelessly throughout the pandemic to raise the awareness and importance of the vaccine , such as recently organising an online webinar with faith and medical experts to ensure that people feel safe and comfortable .”