Malaysia: Halal cert for pharmacy given to CCM

imgresPUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s Halal Industry marked another milestone achievement after they awarded the first ever Halal Certificate to a pharmaceutical company today.

Three companies under Chemical Company of Malaysia Berhad (CCM), namely CCM Pharmaceuticals Sdn Bhd, Upha Pharmaceutical Mfg. (M) Sdn Bhd and Duopharma (M) Sdn Bhd received the halal logo for more than 200 products.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said it was the first award to a pharmaceutical company.

“We hope that this would encourage other companies to come forward and take the same initiative. It also helps the public to understand that halal products are not necessarily just food and drinks,” he said at the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) halal certificate awarding ceremony to CCM.

The halal logo can now be found at over the counter health supplements, medicines and therapeutical products that do not need any doctor’s prescription, he said.

The application for the certificate and logo is voluntary, he said, and they are only advised to do so to secure the public’s assurance and raise their credibility.

He said Muslims in this country are more aware of the halal status in food and other products.

A total of 62 officers will monitor the goods all over the country, and the companies would have to renew their certification every two years to ensure that the same standards are being kept, he said.

Imported and exported products may also carry the halal logo from up to 60 halal certification bodies and authorities worldwide.

The certification process can be done online and takes up to 30 days, Jamil said.