December 29, 2020

 

Malaysia's halal body says it is not involved in fake imported halal meat investigations

Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee, research division director for Malaysia's the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (Jakim), said they are not involved in investigations into the meat cartel that imported fake halal meat into the country, The Star Malaysia reported.

 

Malaysia's Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry and other agencies had recently busted a fake halal meat smuggling cartel. The cartel repackages imported frozen kangaroo and horse meat to pass off as beef, using the halal logo.

 

He said while Jakim is involved in the process of halal certification, they do not have the authority to expose the brands involved in the issue.

 

He also said other government agencies are investigating the issue and called on the public to await their findings.

 

The fake halal beef was sold in supermarkets in the country.

 

The smuggled meat worth MYR 30 million was seized by authorities in Senai, Johor. The cartel is believed to be have been operating for years.

 

Sirajuddin said there are 300 agencies involved in acquiring and verifying halal certification for products. He said Jakim's key role is to ensure overseas slaughterhouses meet the department's criteria, such as Malaysia's Halal Meat Protocol.

 

He said other authorites involved are the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry, Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (Maqis) and the Veterinary Services Department (DVS).

 

Sirajuddin said halal certification for meat imported from overseas slaughterhouses are governed by their local religious authorities.

 

He said Malaysia's halal industry has attracted attention of non-Muslim countries like China, who are interested in the halal certification's priority on hygiene.

 

Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri, Malaysia's Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), said Jakim will issue a list of licensed meat importers to alleviate public concern over their halal status.

 

- The Star Malaysia