March-April . 2021 | @ Halal
Logistics
19
Halal logistics
as value-added service Nippon Express ( M ) Sdn Bhd growing well , ensuring every stage of product shipment is halal from producer to customer
BY CAMILIA REZALI
DeteRMIning whether a product is halal can get crafty . Ensuring the process of product delivery is halal would be another challenge . When delivering products , there is a chance that it may lose its halal qualification .
Logistics Service provider Nippon Express ( M ) Sdn Bhd has established a halal transportation service combining a global network with halal-related transportation that Muslims can use without a worry .
They strive to ensure every stage of product shipment is halal from producer to customer . In general , every stakeholder in the supply chain eco-system requires collaboration to maintain and sustain its halal integrity .
Nippon Express ( M ) Sdn Bhd Halal Logistics services comprise container trolley services , warehouse storage , truck freight services , air freight services and ocean freight services . They thrive to ensure every stage of product shipment is halal from producer to customer .
In general , every company needs collaborations with respective agencies to sustain from farm to fork in the halal logistics business , which Nippon Express has been engrossed in .
HALAL FROM PRODUCERS TO CUSTOMERS
@ Halal spoke to Nippon Express Halal Logistic Division ’ s general manager , Roslan Osman , for deeper insights on its halal logistics services .
So , what makes its logistic service halal ? Firstly is the execution of sertu cleansing , and secondly , is the halal stamping on containers after sertu process .
“ The usual process of our halal freight services involves getting the containers through a sertu process . After we sertu the containers , we will dry them , load the cargo , seal the containers , and finally deliver them to the destination .
In Islamic law , sertu or Shariah ritual cleansing or purification cleansing is for the cleansing that involves the highest level of impurity or severe najs . Najs mughallazah that concerns contamination ( or in physical contact ) from dogs , pigs and its descendant .
Sertu consists of seven washes where the first wash is water mixed with clay and six washes with pure water .
The halal process ’ s integrity is intact , although they may not fully control the entire shipment process from Malaysia to Japan .
For logistics services from Japan to Malaysia , Nippon Express works closely with the Japan Halal Association , one of the seven bodies recognised by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia ( Jakim ).
According to Roslan , halal products from Japan to Malaysia are segregated from other products throughout the shipment process .
Nippon Express works closely with other stakeholders to secure the products within the halal supply chain eco-system , such as Maskargo for airfreight services .
“ Now that we can perform the sertu process on our own , we can lower the cost of sertu substantially and pass the savings to our customers . This makes halal logistics accessible to the market ,” shared Roslan .
HOW IT ALL STARTED
“ Our halal logistics services started in Japan in early 2014 . This logistics service aligns with our corporate mission – to be a driving force for social development . This is consistent with creating new ideas and values that expand in logistics .
“ At that time , there were no cross-border halal logistics services . We wanted to introduce halal services as a value-add to our existing services ,” added Roslan .
Nippon Express hoped that their halal logistics services would encourage the development of such services and this was consistent with its objective .
Roslan said : “ We wanted to promote halal logistics services for the Tokyo Olympics . In fact , we are one of the few companies that perform halal logistics services , from KL to Japan and vice-versa .”
Nippon Express Japan saw Malaysia playing a significant role in creating awareness and developing halal logistics services .
“ We want to use Malaysia as a springboard to promote halal . In 2014 , our goal was the Tokyo Olympics . But now , our direction is the Osaka Expo 2025 .”
The halal business field is slowly cutting above and beyond , branching out to halal service and product developments . Roslan encouraged all competitors to introduce more halal services and provide the best for the community .