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Malaysia: JAKIM To Introduce Halal Standard For Leather, Wool, Bone Products

salama — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 15:13:34 +0000

By Salawaty Supardi

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 4 (Bernama) — The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) in collaboration with Department of Standards Malaysia, will draw up a halal standard for leather, wool and bone products.

Its principal assistant director, halal hub division, Hakimah Mohd Yusoff said the standard would serve as a guideline in providing the halal certification for these products to safeguard the sensitivities among Muslim consumers.

“When we talk about halal certifications, many think only of food or beverages; but the items we wear everyday may not be halal.

“That is why it’s important to have a halal standard for these items,” she told Bernama.

She said the preparation for the halal standard began last year and expected to be completed this year and take effect next year.

Hakimah said that at the moment, there were no specific regulations on the need to segregate leather, wool or bone products according to whether they are halal or not.

Some premises owners however, had taken initiatives to do so, she said. Meanwhile, Hakimah said up until December last year, 366 hotels nationwide had obtained their halal certifications from JAKIM.

Hotel and food premises operators are encouraged to obtain the halal certificate and logo from JAKIM and state Islamic religious council to enhance confidence among consumers in their products and services.

– BERNAMA

Indonesia: MUI Criticizes NU’s Plan to Draft Halal Certification

salama — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:22:52 +0000

Thursday, 02 February, 2012 | 13:54 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta:The Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) has criticized Nahdlatul Ulama’s (NU) plan to draft halal and honesty certifications for its members.

Lukmanul Hakim, MUI’s food, drug and cosmetics study agency’s (LPPOM MUI) director, said it was unnecessary for NU to issue its own certifications because the LPPOM’s halal certificate was transparent and practical. However, he said, the certificate arrangement was subject to fees because the office is not subsidized by the government.

NU Businessmen’s Association (HPN) chairman, Abdul Kholik, questioned the ban. He said the NU’s certification plan aimed to protect its members under stricter NU references for determining whether a product is halal.

“It’s true the MUI is the head of all Islamic organizations, including NU, but we don’t feel that we’re represented by its halal certificate,” said Abdul.

MUI Secretary General Muhammad Alkhathath said that in the certification process, an audit must be conducted by an expert to check whether a product was halal. “In principle, it’s like the food and drug monitoring agency,” he said.

AFRILIA SURYANIS / FATKHURROHMAN TAUFIQ

Pakistan is emerging as a global leader of Islamic Microfinance

salama — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:07:49 +0000

Pakistan is emerging as a global leader of Islamic Microfinance: Zubair Mughal

UN-Millennium Development Goal (MDGs) can be achieved by eliminating Poverty through Islamic Microfinance:

01-02-2012

(Istanbul) A two day International summit on Islamic Microfinance has started in Istanbul. The basic purpose behind this summit is to promote Islamic Microfinance and to elucidate the strategy to remove obstacles from its way to progress. Microfinance experts from different continents like Africa, Asia, Europe and America etc. are participating in this Int’l summit. While speaking to the opening session of the Summit, Muhammad Zubair Mughal, Chief Executive Officer, AlHuda Centre of Islamic Banking and Economics said that Pakistan has been acknowledged as a leader of Islamic Microfinance Industry and right now in Pakistan; more than 20 institutions are providing microfinance services. While highlighting the importance of Islamic microfinance, he said that around the world, conventional Microfinance has badly failed and its examples can be clearly seen in India and Latin America. He further added that due to the failure of conventional financial system, many countries in the world are adapting Islamic microfinance system for poverty alleviation through which not only poverty will be eradicated but also a sustained economy shall come into being in these countries.

While addressing to the International Summit, he further added that one reason behind expansion of Poverty is interest base mechanism in Muslim countries, People do not use Financial and Banking system due to interest as it is strictly prohibited in Islam hence forced to live in poverty whereas through Islamic Microfinance by using the financial products based on Shari’ah principles, we can get the people out from poverty. He further highlighted the need assessment of Islamic microfinance in Muslim Countries by saying that 44% of conventional Microfinance clients live in Muslim Countries and United Nations has added half of the countries of Islamic Development Bank in the list of least developed countries which shows that Islamic Microfinance can be used to eradicate poverty from Muslim-Majority Counties. While identifying the Muslim population and poverty in different regions of the world, he said that 85.5% in East Asia, 34% in South Asia, 58% in West Africa, 58% in Caucasus and 97.3% in MENA are Muslims and collectively, in 2.4 Billion population of these regions, Muslims are of 48.3% which clearly shows the need of Islamic Microfinance for poverty alleviation in these countries. He further added that not only Muslims but Non-Muslims can also get benefits from Islamic Microfinance because Islamic Microfinance is not a religion but a system which is equally useful for Muslims and Non Muslims as well and the clear example of this fact is that Non-Muslims consider it very attractive.

He said that Islamic Microfinance is essential to achieve Millennium Development Goals( MDGs), proposed by United Nations for alleviating poverty and social uplifting. He further added that if development of Islamic Microfinance starts right from today, these goals can easily be achieved till 2015. He said that Islamic Microfinance sector is facing difficulties due to apathy of Donors and to fulfill this deficiency, Sukuk (Islamic Bonds) can be issued. He further said that more financial products can be introduced by enhancing research in the field of Islamic microfinance and there are many opportunities for development in this field. AlHuda Centre of Islamic Banking and Economics has established a specific Microfinance help desk so that trainings, research and technical consultation could be provided to Microfinance Institutions worldwide.

In this Summit, the role of Pakistan in the development of Islamic Microfinance has very much appreciated and Pakistan is considered to be as global leader of Islamic Microfinance Industry. This conference will continue for 2 days in Istanbul.

Pakistan: Government launches Halal Food Accredititation scheme

salama — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:42:16 +0000

OnePakistan

Islamabad : The government has launched the first-ever Halal Food Accreditation scheme, and the move will be followed by the establishment of a Halal Board, which could bolster the country’s export.

Addressing the launching ceremony of Halal Food Accreditation scheme here Tuesday, Federal Minister for Science and Technology Mir Changez Khan Jamali said that Pakistan National Accreditation Council (PNAC) has achieved a milestone by launching Halal Food Accreditation and the political government fulfilled its promise to open the scheme.

He also said that the Ministry of Science and Technology will set up a Halal Board for Halal Food Accreditation and until its establishment, the cost of certification will be subsidized by 50 per cent. And added that Halal Board will provide policy guidelines to PNAC and PSQCA, and that the plan for this Board is to have representation from the private sector and Ulema, along with representation of government functionaries.

He went on to say that the $ 2.77 trillion estimated global value of Halal market is fast growing further with more consumer awareness not only in food sector but also in non-food products, like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, healthcare, toiletries and other non-consumables. Pakistan having rich potential in livestock, dairy and poultry sector has the capability to capture this new market of Halal Food, the minister added.

Federal Secretary Science and Tecnology Akhlaq Ahmed Tarar said that Pakistan, being an Islamic country, needs to benefit from this opportunity. Once a recognized Halal certified goods/services chain starts, it will help local sales and exports.

On this occasion the Director General(DG)PNAC Anjum Bashir said that PNAC, being an apex body, has a mandate to accredit conformity in Assessment Bodies like Laboratories, Certification/Inspection Bodies as per the international requirements under the WTO regime. It has achieved a milestone of Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) with International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) & Asia
Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (APLAC). It also gives PNAC equivalent status, to other reputed accreditation bodies of North America, Europe & Far East Countries.

He said that the importance of Medical Labs Accreditation was increasing every day in this era of technological advancements and competition in the healthcare service sector. PNAC has taken in-time initiative to improve the Health care Sector by launching Medical Labs Accreditation Scheme.

It is pertinent to mention here that Sectoral committee had already given its go ahead been pre-requisite to launch the Halal Food accreditation scheme.

UAE-NZ ties growing

salama — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:55:30 +0000

By Abdul Basit, Khaleej Times

31 January 2012 DUBAI – Trade between the UAE and New Zealand is expected to continue its significant growth, according to New Zealand Consul-General in Dubai Steve Jones.

Trade figures show New Zealand exports to the GCC have grown from $695 million in 2009 to $1.2 billion in 2011 that shows a 71 per cent increase over the two-year period.

Dubai’s attraction to more tourists will increase demand for food and beverage products and it will provide opportunities to New Zealand companies to boost exports, Jones, who is also trade commissioner for Middle East and Africa, told Khaleej Times in Dubai late on Sunday.

As the Dubai tourism market grows, demand for fine products will go up in parallel and New Zealand will be able to supply more products for tourism and hospitality sector in Dubai, he said.

“We would still be expected significant growth annual growth over the next couple of years,” Jones said, adding that UAE exports to New Zealand have also increased in the last couple of year, mostly petrochemicals.

Exports to the region are mostly dairy products where New Zealand companies have expertise at international level. It’s one of the biggest sectors for exports, he added.

“While New Zealand is well known as a food and beverage exporter, increasingly our exports to the Gulf region are diversifying away from just food and beverages to include ICT, education and consultancy, and specialised manufacturing,” he said.

He mentioned that 85 companies are working in the UAE and more new companies are expected to establish base in the UAE this year. He lists a number of companies which have made business impact in the region in the last year. These include weather forecasting and digital media company Metra, health technology company Winscribe, security systems firm Gallagher, and specialist composite construction engineering company Pultron Composites.

While trade ties are strengthened by New Zealand-based companies expanding into the region, there is also a clear government-level commitment to the region — with the opening of a New Zealand Embassy in the UAE, and joint New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise visits to Oman and Qatar. “New Zealand and the UAE have had an excellent economic and trade relationship for so many years now and the establishment of our embassy in Abu Dhabi underscores the fact that we are looking at further growing that relationship with the UAE across all sectors of society,” Malcolm Millar, Ambassador of New Zealand to the UAE, said.

“It is indeed noteworthy that our trade relations with this nation have witnessed tremendous growth and we are confident that those figures will keep an upward trajectory in the coming years.”

NZTE’s Beachheads programme — a global, public-private partnership of independent advisors and NZTE staff working closely with high-growth New Zealand businesses looking to succeed internationally — has helped an increasing number of growing businesses gain a foothold in the Middle East.

“Beachheads is a very successful programme worldwide, and we are planning to expand the service in the Middle East. It is most relevant to New Zealand companies with a permanent presence and senior management based in the region, and those planning for growth,” Jones said.

abdulbasit@khaleejtimes.com

Indonesia: PBNU Drafts Halal references

salama — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:49:07 +0000

TEMPO Interactive, SURABAYA: The leaders of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) are working on drafting halal standards. As such, all production distributed among NU members must be approved by the Nahdlatul Ulama Businessmen’s Association (HPN). The special standard is part of the recommendation produced during the ‘Rembug Saudagar NU and NU Expo 2012′ that was held in Surabaya from January 26 – 29.

“This is important because 70 percent of Muslims in Indonesia are NU members. We have an interest to keeping the products used and consumed by NU members halal and ensuring they are manufactured honestly,” said HPN chairman Abdul Kholik.

Besides maintaining product quality, NU says the the halal label aims to increase the bargaining power of Nahdliyin and its share of the market.

Committee head of NU Expo 2012, Anang Prabowo, said the expo was attended by 25,000 visitors. “The expo this year was more successful than last year,” he said.

FATKHURROHMAN TAUFIQ

Indonesian Vice President Opens the AGM-WHFC

salama — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 15:44:53 +0000

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Indonesian vice president, Boediono, opened Annual General Meeting World Halal Food Council (AGM-WHFC) and International Workshop on Indonesian Role for Strengthening Global Halal 2012, at his office, Monday.

The meetings among Muslim scholars, he said, would promote understanding and expand experience on how to implement the system of halal product in an effective way. Halal means food or other things prepared in accordance to Islamic law.

“The forum will be a great opportunity to open discussions and exchanging ideas among policy makers, practioners, academicians, and stake holders,” Boediono said.

For Muslims, food, drink, medicine, cosmetic and other products are not only to fullfill physical needs, but also should be in accordance to religious principles.

Indonesia has 200 milions Muslim in its population. The number is equal with six other countries in total, namely Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Uni Arab Emirates, Qatar, Malaysia, and Turkey. The huge number reflects a great potential for halal product.

“Therefore, we need to work hard to write, implement, and monitor the policy on halal products. We also need to promote implementing these policies to achieve global standardization in halal product,” he said.

Furthermore, Boediono explained that halal standardization was the duty of Indonesian Muslim Scholars Council (MUI) and Drug and Food Enforcement Body (BP POM). The bodies task to certify halal products in Indonesia.

“We need to enhance cooperation with other countries. Hopefully, The World Halal Food Council can facilitate such cooperations,” Boediono said.

Pakistan could be the Halal Hub of the Future

salama — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:54:06 +0000

Pakistan could be the Halal Hub of future: Zubair Mughal

International Conference on Halal Industry, Declaration Issue

(Lahore) The two day International Conference on Halal industry in Pakistan has concluded. Among those attending were the ambassador, industrialists and businessmen from 15 different countries participated. Malik Ahmad Ali Aulakh, Provincial Minister Agriculture and Livestock, Justice Khalil ur Rehman, Chairman Halal Research and Development cell, Hamid Yakoob Shiekh, secretary Livestock and dairy department, Muhammad Zubair Mughal, CEO Halal Research Council, Dr. Tallat Naseer Pasha, Vice Chancellor, UVAS, Dr. Iqrar Ahmad, Vice Chancellor Agriculture University Faisalabad, Ishaq Latuconsina, Indonesian ambassador, Dr. Haja Sittie Shayma Zenaida Laidan, Regional Director Department, Ministry of Science and Technology – Philippine, Kavilash Chawla, Managing Director Nur Global Strategies, Chicago - U.S.A, Abdul Basit, Chairman Big Bird Group, Mohamad Yakob Bin Munshi Deen, Managing Director Halagel – Malaysia, P. Ahmad, Pak Qatar Takaful, S. Anjum Bashir Director General – Pakistan National Accreditation Council (PNAC), Nissar Ahmad Ramtoola, President – Jummah Mosque – Mauritius were some of the prominent and featured personalities at the conference.

The conference was organized by Halal Research Council in collaboration with PAMCO and Livestock & Dairy Development Department Punjab in which research papers on various topics like export of Halal products from Pakistan, promotion of Pakistan’s Halal Industry internationally, International Halal Research & development and Certification, opportunities of promotion in the Global Halal Industry and the potential of Halal Industry in Punjab were presented. In that conference, the MoU was signed amongst Philippine and Mauritius for the sake of promoting the Pakistan Halal products. The main subject of the conference was the proposal from Justice Khalil ur Rehman for the formation of Halal Authority which was unanimously appreciated by all. Other accepted proposals include the Halal awareness Campaign, Research in the field of Halal and Halal Publications.

While addressing, the organizer of the conference, Muhammad Zubair Mughal, Chief Executive Officer, Halal Research Council said that Pakistan has every capability to become Halal Hub in comparison with any other country and the whole world is anticipating Pakistan as a Halal Hub which is becoming reality. He further added that a huge quantity of Halal Food, Halal Meat, Halal Cosmetics, Halal gelatin and Halal bones can be exported from Pakistan through which we can increase our exports hence can cover the trade deficit. In addition to this, he said that Halal Research Council will continue its journey in the field of Research, Development & Innovation and will arrange the international conferences in South Africa, Mauritius, Sri Lanka and UAE in the year 2012. whereas at national level, a road show from Khyber to Karachi would be arranged and 300 seminars on Halal awareness in 100 cities of Pakistan within one month would be conducted.

Crescentrating Top 10 Halal Food Blogs/Sites

salama — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:09:21 +0000

Crescentrating presents its Halal Friendly Travel (CRaHFT) Ranking for the Top 10 Halal Food Blogs/ Sites in 2012!

The dictionary defines the word ‘food’ as “any nourishing substance that is eaten or drunk to sustain life, provide energy and promote growth”, but what the dictionary doesn’t tell you is that food also brings families and friends together, incites new sensations, and offers people a simple way of experiencing a culture.

This is the first year that we have included this category in our CRaHFT Ranking and hope to make it part of our annual ranking. There were more than 30 Halal Food blogs which were nominated this year and we had more than 36,000 votes spread across them.

These 10 food blogs/ sites, out of thousands of pages which discuss the latest culinary concoctions and techniques, share great recipes and reviews so that everyone can attempt to master the art of cooking and suggest various Halal food products for consumers worldwide. After much consideration, and passionate voting by our readers, we are excited to present to you Crescentrating’s Top 10 Halal Food blogs/ sites for 2012.

1. Fauzia’s Kitchen Fun
Fauzia likes to consider herself as an “average girl tinkering around her kitchen” but Fauzia has made cooking a fun and exciting activity for many people around the world. The Facebook page, which has over 28,000 loyal fans, offers a variety of recipes from snacks and sandwiches to main dishes such as yummy meatloaf or seafood specials, all with step-by-step instructions.

The Facebook page is also a great platform for others to share their favorite recipes, discuss their latest culinary escapades, triumph in the dishes that came out great, and figure out what went wrong in the ones that didn’t turn out so well. With everything going on with Fauzia’s Kitchen Fun, it is most definitely one of the top Halal food pages of 2012!

2. Foodilcious “Cooks @ Work”
Five women. Five destinations. One goal: To learn and share new recipes and tips.
The Foodilcious network is an intricate Facebook page (more than 75,000 likes!) where people can view recipes submitted by one of the five page owners, recipes submitted by other group members, request for a specific recipe, or discuss cooking know-how and tactics.

The page’s photo albums have thousands of recipes in categories such as “Microwaveable Goodies”, “Chocaholics”, “Our Dining Tables” and “High Tea Snacks” along with the more custom categories such as desserts, appetizers, and basics. The Foodilcious “Cooks @ Work” page is unquestionably one of the top 10 Halal food pages too look out for!

3. Masala Mornings
Craving for something that your mother used to make for you when you were younger? Look no further than Aunty Shireen from Masala Mornings TV, where every meal has a little touch of a home.

Every weekday, Shireen Anwar, lovingly known as Aunty Shireen, cooks your favorite recipes on live TV! You can then visit the Masala Mornings Facebook page and take down the recipe to make it on your own. Step by step directions in English, as well as Arabic, make this a great page for every cook!

4. Ramadan Recipes
The Ramadan Recipes Facebook page came to be… well, during Ramadan! What was initially created as a platform to share and talk about the meals prepared during the month of fasting, soon expanded to a collection of recipes which are great for any time of the year!

The page is filled with recipes for scrumptious meals such as lasagna, chow mein, biriyani, curries and many other mouth-watering appetizers, main courses and desserts. The layout of the recipes are a bit different on this page since not only do you get step by step directions, but each step is accompanied with a picture to give you a better idea of how well the directions are being followed. Great recipes, detailed directions – a definite page to explore for the up and coming cook.

5. Lecker & Yummy Recipes
The Lecker & Yummy Recipes blog page is run a by a hard-core foodie named Sajeedha, who has been cooking since she was very young. She began experimenting in the kitchen at the age of 19; her love for food has followed her well past college, marriage, and is now an activity she shares with her own kids as well.

The blog has recipes for a variety of foods, some of which originate from India, Turkey, and Germany. A few of the more popular recipes listed include Mansaf, a traditional dish in Jordan, Maqloobeh, famous in Palestine, and Ispanak Tepsi Borek, hailing from Turkish cuisine. Take your family to these amazing destinations with one mouthwatering bite!

6. Delicious Bytes “Love of Cooking”
The Delicious Bytes “Love of Cooking” Facebook page is not only a collection of recipes, but a vault of information related to cooking. The recipes found on this page are shared from cut newspaper clippings, recipes that were jotted down from TV shows, and anywhere else where people may have found a good recipe worth sharing.

“Our mission is to spread the love of food and cooking from our kitchen to yours”; and boy, have they! Cooks of all levels will appreciate the types of food which can be found on the Delicious Bytes “Love of Cooking” page, especially the many pickles, chutneys and jams! A definite must-visit Halal food site this year!

7. Zaiqa.net
Zaiqa is a word from the Urdu language which translates to ‘taste’… and the Zaiqa food blog guarantees great tastes in every recipe listed! One of the most unique qualities of this site is the ‘Category Index’ which allows you to find recipes based on an ingredient – making it easy to prepare something with leftovers! Other than a never-ending list of recipes, visitors of this amazing food blog will also find links to many other food sites which the author enjoys.

The Zaiqa food blog offers its visitors kitchen tips, quick fix meals, and even product reviews. Be aware, users might go to the page for one particular recipe and end up walking away hours later with 10 other recipes to try.

8. Basma’s Cuisine
From ‘Chessboard Cookies’ to ‘Chicken Lasagna’, Basma’s Cuisine is a page filled with nice recipes for the beginner cook. The site has step-by-step instructions along with accompanying photographs and visitors will enjoy finding such unique and tasty recipes!

The page was created to express the owner’s love and respect for cooking while creating a platform which shares their interest with the rest of the world.

9. ElZaA
The ElZaA food blog was initially created in 2007 by Ruhina with the intention of helping her family refine their skills in the kitchen as well as being a platform to share family recipes. Now, almost 5 years later, it offers a chance for people to bring their families together around the world, with recipes of hearty meals of both local (Pakistan) and international cuisine.

The blog offers a more personal twist on cooking and most, if not all, recipes are ones that Ruhina herself makes for her family. The blog is great for beginner and experienced cooks, and we just had to include it in our Top 10 list!

10. Sameer’s Eats
Sameer’s Eats makes it easier to find a good Halal-restaurant in North America! Sameer of Sameer has only one thing in mind: amazing Halal restaurants; and his goal is to find as many of them as possible for people to enjoy and dine at.
Sameer hosts the leading online show for discovering the best Halal eateries; not only does he review restaurants, he also releases videos of dining experiences as well as identifying Halal food items in well-known restaurants. The site is refreshingly honest and has to be added in our list of must-visits for this year!

We thank all those who participated passionately in voting for their Food blogs that has become part of their everyday life! In the next few days, we will also highlight all other great Food Blogs who were nominated this year, but did not make it to our top 10 list. Keep an eye on them, there is a good possibility that some of them will make it on to the list next year!

And that concludes the Top 10 Halal Food Blog/ Sites for 2012!

USA: OSK-UOB Islamic Fund Management signs with IdealRatings as their Shariah screening provider

salama — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 22:53:45 +0000

San Francisco, USA – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia January 16th, 2012 – OSK-UOB Islamic Fund Management, a joint-venture company formed between the OSK Group, one of Malaysia’s leading investment bank and Singapore’s UOB Group, one of Asia’s leading financial institutions, announced today that it has signed a strategic agreement with IdealRatings, Inc. a global Shariah compliant fund management service provider to utilize IdealRatings’ unique research based screening for their global growth strategy of equity funds.

According to Mohamed Noor, CEO, OSK-UOB Islamic Fund Management, OSK-UOB Islamic Fund Management was looking to find a partner who could provide detailed analysis of the revenue breakdown for the global stock market specifically for food companies involved in any non-halal elements. “IdealRatings, did an outstanding job screening companies with their one of a kind research methodology along with their comprehensive Shariah fund management solution. We feel confident relying on IdealRatings to provide us with top quality Shariah screening data for our Global Halal Food Fund and also for the other unique funds we will be offering as part of our portfolio in the future” said Mohamed Noor.

“The team at OSK-UOB Islamic Fund Management has great plans for much needed products in the market. We are proud to help such team with our service to develop successful products to meet the market demands in a high growth market” said Mohamed Donia, CEO of IdealRatings.