The concept of ‘halal’ is relatively simple but in
the food industry, it has become increasingly complex, as there is a
need to ensure that its procedures are within the Syariah
guidelines.
‘The ongoing maturation and
sophistication of the ‘halal’ industry has brought about new
questions for our Islamic scholars, as this requires a new level
of collaboration with our scientific community and our industry
specialists.
This observation was made by
Dato Paduka Hj Hamdillah bin Hj Abdul Wahab, the Deputy Minister
of Industry Sr Primary Resources in his keynote speech during
the opening ceremony of the third International Halal Market
Conference (IHMC) themed “The Emergence of the Halal Market
economy” at International Convention Centre yesterday. With the
Halal market worth an estimated US$2 trillion a year and growing
at US$500 billion annually due to an ever-increasing Muslim
population, this sector is now considered the fastest growing
market in the world.
In light of this, Brunei is
mulling to set up a Halal Product Academy, which will be the
first of its kind facilitating Islamic scholars and specialists
in Halal science and research. According to Dato Paduka Hj Hamdillah, ‘halal’ in
Brunei takes on a very special meaning and relevance for us.
“With our long and rich tradition
that is now embodied in the national philosophy of Malay Islamic
Monarchy, we view the propagation of Halal principles, and their
application in the market as something that is in harmony with our
core values as a Muslim nation,” he said.
Earlier, the chairman of the
conference, Date Paduka Haji Mohd Hamid bin Haji Mohd Jafaar,
highlighted the diverse elements within the global market that are
being drawn together by the common interest and goals of promoting
and purchasing ‘halal’ goods and services into an increasing unified
market forces.
Date Haji Mohd Hamid said that in
the wide-range of human economic activity spectrum, the question of
‘halal’ compliance is evermore becoming an issue of importance and
thus, the conference would provide the platform for industry players
to share their views, knowledge, expertise and experiences on
managing and profiting from the multibillion dollar ‘halal’
industry.
Some 300 international delegates
are attending the conference, which will draw to a close today.
—
Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
