By Qistina Sallehuddin, Mohamed Basyir – New Straits Times
KUALA LUMPUR: The government through the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) is in the process of making improvements to the management of halal certification to ensure the effective delivery of Malaysia’s halal certification services.
This, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said would include the development of a comprehensive digital framework, known as the MYeHALAL 2.0.
Mohd Na’im added that the framework developed by Jakim along with the Prime Minister’s Department and the Malaysian Administrative Modernisation and Management Planning Unit (Mampu) would also encompass the halal certification system and access to the halal ecosystem using blockchain technology for the long term.
“This enhancement will further improve Jakim’s efficiency and effectiveness in achieving the objective to expedite the halal certificate application process within 23 days.
“With this, it will ensure that Jakim can address existing halal certificate application issues and boost the country’s halal industry promptly, aligning with Jakim’s role as the primary pillar of Malaysia’s Halal Certification,” he said during minister’s question time in Dewan Rakyat, today.
Mohd Na’im said this in response to Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (PN-Kubang Kerian) on the government’s plans to enhance Jakim’s capabilities by hiring more specialised staff.
Tuan Ibrahim also enquired if the latest facilities and technologies to track the ingredients used in each product following Malaysia’s Halal Certification that had been recognised internationally were being incorporated by the government.
At the same time, Mohd Na’im said the government was also committed to taking the best measures and mechanisms to empower Jakim, the State Islamic Religious Council and the State Islamic Religious Departments (JAIN) as the authoritative bodies responsible for halal certification in Malaysia.
“As one of the efforts to transform the country into a world-class halal industry hub, the government is constantly concerned with all aspects related to halal, including the expertise development, technological facilities and so on.
“Following this, the government through Jakim and related agencies is making improvements to the management of halal certification to ensure the effective delivery of Malaysia’s halal certification services.”
Previously, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had ordered Jakim to simplify the process of halal certificate issuance and hasten approvals.
This comes after the Malaysia Halal Council chairman said Jakim should not burden applicants and decisions on approvals must be made within 30 working days.
