MUSLIM ECONOMY

It is no doubt that the halal products have a huge market not only in Malaysia but also in overseas especially in West Asia.

Based on the 2008 statistics, the halal global market is reported to be worth USD580 billion.

The high demand for halal products prompted many entrepreneurs including non-Muslims to vie for the Malaysian halal certification.

However, he noted that the small and medium scale entrepreneurs may face problems in obtaining the halal certification that is currently issued by Jakim or the State Islamic Religious Departments (JAIN).

The Malaysian Halal certification, is among others based on the standards for halal food covering Production, Preparation, Handling and Storage - General Guide Line (MS15000).

"Producers who have big producing plants and utilise machineries have no problem in obtaining the certificate.

"The one who will be facing problems are the small scale entrepreneurs for example those who produce crackers. They may not have the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) as they may have failed to meet the conditions on cleanliness," he said.

HALAL MALAYSIA

As for some consumers, especially Muslims, they may be sensitive to the halal aspect in what they consume and use.

However, many may just take for granted the halal wording or the logo without checking further.

Some may just buy the products as long as they are confident with the brand name while those who are not sure will contact the consumer associations, Jakim or JAIN.

Jakim for example has the Portal Halal Malaysia www.halal.gov.my that provides information on the Malaysian certification.

According to Raja Mohd Alias Raja Ali, Jakim's Assistant Director for the Halal Malaysia Portal launched in 2007 also serves as a one stop centre.

"The portal comes complete with the halal information column, the halal directory, an avenue to lodge complaint and access to the Malaysian Halal Certificate application system," he told Bernama.

Under the Halal Directory, for example the public can check the details on the halal certificate whether it is for products, eateries or abattoirs.

The directory also provides the halal search facility based on bar code, product description or the name of the company that manufactured the product.

The list of foreign halal certificate issuing authority is also provided.

Raja Mohd Alias noted that the portal also listed hotels with halal certification, edict on halal, glossary, food additives and others.

Jakim, he added, is now in the process of updating the halal portal so that it is more user and industry friendly.

MORE FACILITY

For those who want to lodge complaint on issues relating to halal, they can also do so through the Malaysian Halal Portal.

"Jakim takes seriously each complaint and will act on it within 24 hours after the complaint is received and the e-mails will be replied within three working days after they have been forwarded to Jakim's public relations officer," said Raja Mohd Alias.

Jakim also provides the HALAL MALAYSIA status checking through SMS.

The halal status of a product, premises or abattoir can be checked by typing the bar code number and send it to 32728.

Within a short duration, there will be a reply - Certification Genuine or Certification Has Expired or Not On The List.

By Melati Mohd Ariff
-- BERNAMA