@Halal May/June 2023 | Page 11

MAY-JUNE . 2023 | @ Halal

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EMPHASISING INDUSTRY READINESS AND HALAL EXECUTIVES

Zamri shared that applying for halal certification was closely linked to the industry ’ s readiness to implement halal manuals and standards . On occasion , there may be instances where industries apply for halal certification before being fully prepared .

“ The process itself is simple , but industry players need to understand and master the implementation of halal manuals and standards . If they do not understand well , issues may arise where they do not meet the requirements .

“ Industry readiness is crucial , which is why we emphasise the importance of halal executives playing a role in assisting the industry where they are placed , ensuring the proper implementation of these manual and standard requirements .”

Touching on the application process for halal certification in restaurant or convenience store chains , he emphasised the significance of securing halal certification for the central kitchen before certifying the premises .

He explained : “ In the halal chain , it is crucial to maintain continuity without disruptions . Therefore , if the central kitchen has already obtained halal certification , it does not automatically apply to the outlets .

“ The outlets serve food and beverages and

The industry ’ s development is also increasingly attractive and positive , as they strive to fulfil halal requirements and manual standards to the best of their abilities . For example , in implementing the Halal Assurance System ( HAS ), there is a need for a halal executive , halal training , standard operating procedures ( SOPs ), and the establishment of a committee . The industry is becoming more aware and familiar with our manuals and standards .” – Mohamad Zamri Mohamed Shapik

engage in distinct processes . For instance , the frying of chicken , the assembly of burger patties , the handling of vegetables , and so on .

“ Hence , these processes must align with the practices followed in the central kitchen . The prepared dishes differ from pre-packaged meals served without further preparation .”

“ There are several cases in which we have revoked halal certificates , not due to the central kitchen , but rather because the outlets may have failed to meet cleanliness standards and other requirements .”

STRENGTHENING HALAL ENFORCEMENT

Amidst the rapid growth of e-commerce , there are cases where the halal logo is being misused without discretion across multiple platforms . Acknowledging this concern , Zamri highlighted the need to strengthen law enforcement to address the issue effectively .

“ Akta Perihal Dagangan 2011 ( APD 2011 ) has clearly defined the branding of the halal logo , which should only be used by those genuinely halal certified . Therefore , from an enforcement perspective , we will tighten regulations so that any symbols or logos implying halal , such as ‘ no pork ’ or ‘ zero alcohol ’, cannot be used arbitrarily . If they can lead to confusion , they are not allowed .

“ From a system standpoint , we have initi-

Mohamad Zamri Mohamed Shapik

THE Halal Management Division is one of the divisions under the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia ( JAKIM ) responsible for conducting halal certification in Malaysia , along with the State Islamic Religious Departments ( JAIN ).

Halal certification began as early as 1965 by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department ( JAIS ). The halal certification carried out by JAKIM started in 1974 when the Research Center , Islamic Affairs Division ( BAHEIS ), Prime Minister Department ( JPM ), issued halal certification letters to food and beverage products that met Shariah requirements .

At that time , it was responsible as one of the bodies overseeing the supervision of halal product certificates alongside the State Islamic Religious Departments ( JAIN ), which also implemented halal certification with their respective logos .

In 1994 , halal certification was given as a certification certificate with the BAHEIS halal logo .

In November 2002 , the Islamic Food and Consumer Goods Research Division , JAKIM , was established and began operating on Jan 16 , 2003 , as a halal certification body to coordinate , issue , and monitor halal certification certificates and enforce all halal-related regulations in Malaysia .

From then on , the government decided that all halal certification matters would be entirely carried out by JAKIM through the Islamic Food and Consumer Goods Research Division , using a new halal logo . On Nov 1 , 2005 , this division was renamed the Halal Certification Division .

Over time , various changes have taken place , where the issuance of halal certification was entrusted to the Halal Industry Corporation Sdn Bhd ( HDC ) in 2008 . The responsibility for halal certification was then returned to JAKIM on Aug 1 , 2009 .

On Dec 3 , 2018 , history again recorded a significant change when the Halal Certification Division was expanded into two main divisions : the Secretariat of the Malaysian Halal Council ( MHM ) and the Halal Management Division ( BPH ).

The Halal Management Division will oversee halal certification operations , including examining certification application documents for products and premises , product and premises audits , issuance of halal certificates , verification of foreign slaughterhouses , halal monitoring and enforcement , and halal analysis centres .

As the authority responsible for matters related to Islam in this country , JAKIM , through the Halal Management Division , is the leading agency responsible for the certification and enforcement of halal status .

In this context , JAKIM has outlined a vision to become a reputable and internationally recognised halal certification service centre at the national and international levels .