KUALA LUMPUR: The government has taken several initiatives to ensure the issuance of the Malaysian Halal certificates will go smoothly.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Dr Mashitah Ibrahim said yesterday among the measures by the Malaysia Islamic Development Department (Jakim) include the appointment of 45 staff on contractual basis to assist in the undertakings.
“The staff will be placed in six different divisions under Jakim.”
She said the increase of staff in the “critical scheme” would allow the expansion of Jakim’s expertise in various fields including pharmaceutical, cosmetics and biotechnology.
Dr Mashitah was answering a question by Datuk Mohammad Najeeb Abdullah in the Dewan Negara yesterday, who wanted to know Jakim’s logistics and infrastructure plans to ensure the issuance of the halal certificates were done smoothly beginning Jan 1.
Dr Mashitah said on top of the staff increase, Jakim had also organised courses and workshops for the staff.
“Among the courses and workshops conducted include good manufacturing practices basic course, hazard analysis critical control point basic and implementation course, DNA course in forensics science and sampling and an understanding course on Syariah application in halal certification.
“Jakim also works with other agencies such as the Veterinary Services Department, Health Ministry and Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry, to increase expertise and efficiency,” she said.
Dr Mashitah said in terms of infrastructure, Jakim had approved the use of 80 computers.
“The computers will be distributed to all States for the implementation of e-Halal and Jakim will also have its own laboratory for halal analysis in Bandar Enstek near Nilai, Negri Sembilan.
