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@ Halal | november-december . 2020

By Azmi Abd Aziz Technical Assoc Director , Global Haltech

the process chain of a product including resource management , slaughter , quality control , hygiene , storage , delivery and so on . Various issues and challenges can be faced in managing halal certification whether from the certification bodies , manufacturer or consumer .

Malaysia is the only country in the world where the government provides full support in promoting the halal certification process on products and services .

Meanwhile , halal certification bodies in other countries are developed in the regions or State or supported by Non-Governmental Organisations ( NGOs ).

Halal certification is to meet the culture of consumers who demand healthy and safe products which give a quality impact . Also , halal certification is a commercial value of trade , namely “ marketing tools ” to reach the domestic and foreign markets because the demand for halal products continues to increase in line with the increasing number of Muslim consumers in the world .

The question of halal and haram products is an essential question for Muslims to pay attention to because , from the Islamic point of view , the use of a product should be based on the concept of halal and safe .

Islam has laid down clear guidelines and rules on this matter which are explained in the Quran and Sunnah , which mean that the issue of halal and haram is closely related to the question of the faith of Muslims .

Knowing the Islamic bodies that are recognised worldwide is vital to avoid confusion among consumers when buying goods or entering certain premises that display halal logos overseas . An acknowledgement of logos of Islamic bodies endorsed by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia ( JAKIM ) is vital so that consumers can shop confidently .

THE ISSUE OF FAKE OR UNRECOGNISED HALAL LOGOS

While outsiders or global consumers raise their thumbs as a great sign when talking about the Malaysian halal industry , some locals question the reality of what is happening in the country .

The Muslim consumer community in this country is often faced with the media ’ s exposure casting doubt on halal products in the market . There have been many doubts among Muslim consumers on the halal status of products .

In other words , Muslim consumers are increasingly exposed to various products that are suspected to be mixed with elements that are illegal on Islamic compliance .

The Muslim community in this country is also shocked by the issue of fake or unrecognised halal logos used on food labels . This should be taken seriously and the big question is to what extent are Muslim consumers sensitive to the products they use daily ?

Halal certification means obtaining the “ SPH ” ( Sijil Pengesahan Halal ) which is issued by authoritative bodies such as JAKIM and bodies endorsed by JAKIM in other countries . For example , the Central Islamic Council of Thailand ( CICOT ), which is the only halal certification body in Thailand , is recognised by JAKIM .

This certification is based on Islamic law giving confidence to Muslim consumers about the halal status of a product whether in the form of food , food premises , consumer goods , cosmetics , slaughterhouse , pharmaceuticals , logistics or others .

Halal certification also aims to meet the culture of consumers as well as products that affect health , safety and quality . The halal logo also indirectly helps to ensure halal quality is guaranteed . ( Ahmad Hidayat , 2012 )

Imported products with foreign halal certified bodies recognised by JAKIM

If a product is imported into Malaysia , the manufacturer must use the halal certification and logo of the Islamic bodies that are recognised by JAKIM .

As of Feb 5 , 2020 , there were 84 Islamic bodies in 46 countries recognised by JAKIM . As such , certification of products by them is recognised and allowed into Malaysia .

DOUBTS OF MUSLIM CONSUMERS ON HALAL RECOGINITION

Most consumers agree that the status of a halal logo is necessary to prove that a product is halal . However , consumers ’ confidence and doubts about halal products are not necessarily resolved by displaying the halal logo .

Among the causes of doubt among Muslim consumers are : Lack of specific halal law provisions In Malaysia , from a legal point of view until today , the main challenge of the halal industry is that this country still does not have a Halal Act that applies to the whole country . The purpose of such an Act is to empower Federal Government agencies such as JAKIM to directly monitor and take law enforcement action as it now serves as a body that handles halal certification in Malaysia . Currently , the authority to monitor and enforce laws related to the use of the halal logo is under the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs ( KPDNHEP ) relating to the Trade Descriptions Act ( APD ) 2011 .

Lack of manufacturers ’ integrity Among the issues that contribute to the constraints of quality management of halal