Malaysia: First NFC halal app to be launched soon

eloped by Malaysia Microelectronic Solutions (My-MS) Sdn Bhd, the first of its kind application is set to bring great advantage to Muslims globally, as consumers would be able to identify and authenticate restaurants and hotels that are halal certified.

“We worked closely with the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) to produce the halal authentication application.

“With such an application, it can also prevent halal certification from being abused and misused since the logo will be equipped with the NFC,” said its chief executive officer, Shafiq Akmal Ismail, yesterday.

Speaking to the New Straits Times he said after the application is launched, consumers could download it from Google Play or the iTunes Store.

Shafiq said consumers with mobile phones that were running on operating systems such Apple iOS, Android or Windows, could tap the halal logo displayed any premises to ascertain its authentication.

“Once the consumer taps the logo, they will be able to launch a social networking site and upon login, they will automatically be redirected to Jakim’s website where the list of halal products and restaurants are displayed.”

Shafiq said the application, being the first in the world, is going to be an informative platform for Muslim consumers.

“For the first phase, we are targeting to have this application in at least 60 premises in the Klang Valley, and we will expand nationwide.

“Several countries, including Taiwan and China, had shown interest in the technology and have approached us to get more details on the application.”

On being awarded the most admired Asean enterprises (for small and medium enterprise) in the Innovation Category for its integrated circuit design house during the recent 9th Asean Business and Investment Summit (Asean-BIS), Shafiq said it was a pleasant surprise for the 12-year-old company.

“It was a proud moment for us to be given such an international recognition. We also believe in the importance of continuous innovation for any company to survive in this technology era.”

The summit was held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, two weeks ago and it was one of the side events to the Asean Leaders Summit and the East Asia Summit (EAS).