@Halal March/April 2026 | Page 4

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LOCAL NEWS
@ Halal | March-April. 2026

Youth mosque initiative

Anew national initiative is set to redefine the relationship between mosque institutions and young

Malaysians.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim formally introduced the Rakan Masjid X Rakan Muda Ramadan programme, framing it as part of a broader effort to strengthen values-based development under the Malaysia MADANI vision.
This programme aims to position youth leadership at the centre of community engagement during Ramadan. The Prime Minister emphasised that a mosque ' s function should not be limited to a place for faith practices, but should also include community activities and personal development.
" Youngsters need to be given more opportunities and trust to lead activities that bring benefit to the communities," Anwar highlighted. He stated that he was pleased to see young people using Ramadan and its learning spaces to deepen their faith.
Minister in the Prime Minister ' s Department( Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan and Youth and Sports Minister Mohammed Taufiq Johari were also present at the launch,
ENCOURAGING THE YOUTH: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim officiating Rakan Masjid X Rakan Muda along with Minister of Youth and Sports Mohammed Taufiq Johari as well as Minister of Prime Minister ' s Department( Religious Affairs) Zulkifli Hasan.
along with the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister ' s Office( Religious Affairs) Marhamah Rosli.
Their presence further cemented the government ' s backing across programmes connected to faith and youth engagement.
The Rakan Muda Ramadan programme will extend to every State and 113 districts nationwide, marking one of the more structured Ramadan youth mobilisation efforts in recent years.
State-level participation targets stand at 400 individuals in most states, while Perlis and Labuan are projected to host 300 participants each. Combined figures indicate 5,800 participants at the state level alone.
At the district level, the programmes are expected to involve approximately 130 participants, resulting in a cumulative total of 14,690 across districts. These targets display the government ' s commitment to integrating mosquebased programming within local communities rather than focusing these activities solely in urban areas.
Rakan Masjid X Rakan Muda Ramadan ultimately reflects a governance approach that aligns spiritual development with national cohesion objectives.
Institutional support of mosques as community centres, combined with youth engagement activities, shows the nation ' s commitment to back more youth-centred programmes in the future.

Standards stand firm

AUSTRALIAN pasta manufacturer San Remo Macaroni Company Pty Ltd has reaffirmed that all products distributed in Malaysia through its official channels comply with halal standards recognised by local authorities.
The clarification follows recent public attention surrounding the certification status of one of its branded items.
San Remo stated that its products available in Malaysia are imported and marketed through its appointed distributor, GBA Corporation Sdn Bhd.
The distributor holds halal certification issued by the Islamic Co-ordinating Council of Victoria( ICCV), a foreign certification body recognised by the Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia. Recognition by Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia( JAKIM) enables certified products
to be accepted within Malaysia ' s regulatory framework.
According to the company, San Remo ' s manufacturing facilities have undergone audits conducted by the Islamic Co-ordinating Council of Victoria( ICCV). Audit findings confirmed compliance with established halal requirements, including assurance that production facilities remain free from porcine elements.
Verification at the source level forms a core component of international halal supply chain governance, particularly for exported food products entering Muslim-majority markets.
The statement was issued in response to JAKIM ' s clarification on Jan 31 regarding the La Pasta Carbonara Flavour Pasta and Sauce product. JAKIM noted that the specific product referenced had not been certified halal by the department, and San Remo responded that the product in question is not marketed, sold, or distributed in Malaysia through its official distribution network, including via GBA Corporation Sdn Bhd.
Corporate positioning emphasises long-standing operational experience and adherence to regulatory standards. San Remo highlighted more than 90 years of involvement in food manufacturing and distribution, underlining continued
commitment to halal compliance across markets where certification is required.
Public confidence in halal certification processes remains closely tied to transparent communication and recognised accreditation frameworks.
San Remo encouraged consumers to select products certified either by JAKIM or by foreign halal certification bodies officially recognised by JAKIM. Reference to official verification guidelines issued by JAKIM was also recommended for those seeking to confirm product status.
The clarification highlights the importance of traceable certification pathways within international food trade. Alignment between overseas halal certifiers and Malaysian authorities ensures that imported food products entering the domestic market meet regulatory expectations.-