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collaboration with the Department of Veterinary Services( DVS). The breach, according to him, occurred at the country’ s entry points, which fall outside JAKIM’ s jurisdiction.
“ What happens at the ports and entry points is not under our responsibility,” he stated.
Despite this, the scandal prompted several reforms. JAKIM has strengthened its international auditing procedures and resumed physical inspection after the pandemic to ensure compliance with Shariah and technical standards.
“ We have gone back to the normal procedure. We visit all the abattoirs and establishments to ensure that all meat exported to Malaysia meets the Shariah requirements and technical standards,” Sirajuddin added.
He also emphasised that JAKIM now requires regular reports from all recognised halal certification bodies overseas and works closely with enforcement agencies, including Malaysian Quarantine and Inspec-
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tion Services( MAQIS), Customs, and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living( KPDN) to maintain integrity across the supply chain.
LEGAL LOOPHOLES AND ENFORCEMENT GAPS
The scandal also exposed limitations in Malaysia’ s legal and enforcement frameworks. According to a study published in the International Islamic University Malaysia( IIUM) Law Journal, while the Trade Description Act 2011 includes corporate liability provisions, other relevant legislation, such as the Animals Act 1953, only permits the prosecution of individuals, not companies.
This creates challenges in prosecuting corporate offenders, particularly when directors or executives are involved in fraudulent practices. The report argues that this gap in the law often leads to situations where employees face penalties, while companies are not held accountable.
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Furthermore, Shariah criminal laws are applicable only to Muslims and often impose lighter penalties. Legal experts have called for synchronising Shariah and civil law to strengthen enforcement against halal-related crimes.
EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY FOR TRACEABILITY
The scandal has also triggered discussion around the need for technology in safeguarding halal integrity. Experts have proposed using Radio Frequency Identification( RFID) and blockchain technology to create a transparent and traceable supply chain.
Such systems would enable consumers to verify the halal status of products through QR codes, providing complete visibility into a product’ s origin and handling process. Digital traceability can significantly reduce the risk of future fraud and empower both regulators and consumers.
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REBUILDING TRUST IN MALAY- SIA’ S HALAL ECOSYSTEM
Malaysia’ s reputation as a global halal leader depends on the public’ s confidence in its certification processes. Although the meat cartel scandal has been damaging, it also presents an opportunity for reflection, reform, and renewal.
Datuk Sirajuddin acknowledged the complexity of the system, stating:“ Each authority has its responsibility. We need to educate the public on who does what, but more importantly, we must work together to ensure halal integrity is preserved at all stages.”
A collective effort involving legal reforms, cross-agency collaboration, technological advancements, and public awareness is now essential.
Only through transparency, accountability, and innovation can Malaysia strengthen its halal governance and ensure that consumers, both local and international, continue to trust the integrity of halal certification.
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THE Department of Islamic Development Malaysia( JAKIM) has promptly addressed concerns regarding a recent halal integrity breach in Indonesia, which led to the recall of several food products containing traces of pork DNA.
This recall was jointly announced on Apr 21, 2025, by Indonesia’ s Halal Product Assurance Organising Agency( BPJPH) and the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency( BPOM). It involved 11 batches of nine food products.
Laboratory testing found traces of porcine DNA in the samples, raising widespread concerns among Muslim-majority nations, including Malaysia.
Out of the 11 batches, nine were from seven products that were certified halal, while two were uncertified. This revelation has prompted a swift response from Malaysia’ s halal authorities.
“ JAKIM takes this matter very seriously and fully supports the firm and proactive actions of BPJPH and BPOM,” said JAKIM Director-General Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee.
“ It is crucial to uphold public trust and the integrity of halal certification, which must be maintained with the highest levels of integrity and transparency.”
In response, JAKIM is closely coordinating with the State Islamic Religious Councils
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( MAIN) and State Islamic Religious Departments( JAIN) to conduct preventive inspections of any affected products that may have entered the Malaysian market.
“ As a precautionary measure, we are mobilising our agencies to perform thorough checks and, if necessary, remove any non-compliant products,” added Sirajuddin.
JAKIM is also urging importers and distributors to immediately contact ukkjakim @ islam. gov. my and take the necessary actions to recall any implicated products from the Malaysian market.
This prompt action highlights JAKIM’ s ongoing commitment to consumer protection and halal
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assurance.
“ This is about safeguarding the rights of Muslim consumers. Our certification system must be trustworthy, and that trust is built on vigilance, transparency, and accountability,” emphasised Sirajuddin.
The public is encouraged to report any suspicious products through JAKIM’ s Public Complaint Management System( SISPAA) at https:// islam. spab. gov. my / eApps / system / index. do.
JAKIM’ s stance reflects the principles of halalan toyyiban, ensuring that products consumed by Muslims are not only lawful but also wholesome and safe.
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“ We remain committed to ensuring that only products that truly comply with halal standards are allowed in our market.
This is our collective duty- to uphold the trust and welfare of Malaysia’ s Muslim consumers,” Sirajuddin reiterated.-
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