12 Agriculture
12 Agriculture
@ Halal | March-April . 2024
Supporting halal agriculture in a sustainable way
A roadmap to Malaysian food security and halalan toyibban practices
BY ADELINE ANTHONY ALPHONSO
SUSTAINABLE halal agriculture is finally becoming commonplace in Malaysia , thanks to the country ’ s booming agricultural sector .
Notable speakers at the Pakar Pertanian Expo 2024 ( PPE ) on Mar 1-3 were Assoc . Prof . Dr Betania Kartika Muflih , Head of Halal Awareness , Information and Outreach at INHART , and Dr Nurhidayu Al-Saari , Assistant Professor .
Assoc . Prof . Dr Betania Kartika Muflih Dr Nurhidayu al-Saari
THE PRACTICE OF HALALAN TOYYIBAN
Their talk shed some light on applying the halalan toyyiban concept in Malaysia , emphasising the importance of adhering to Islamic principles in agricultural practices .
“ Halal agriculture , rooted in Islamic law , ensures that farming activities align with the permissible ( halal ) and prohibited ( haram ) actions outlined in Sharia ,” said Dr Betania .
“ 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 , safety and security must often go hand in hand .”
Dr Hidayu , however , emphasised the significance of agriculture as not just traditional farming but a crucial component of the largescale agroindustry , vital for national income and revenues .
“ Producing halal goods is not only a business matter ; it is a promise ,” she said . “ It is an obligation that every Muslim must fulfil .
“ It also can create good local , national , regional and global business opportunities .”
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 .
Integrating halalan toyyiban with conventional agriculture has immense potential to revolutionise the food system .