By Siti Rohaizah Zainal
SABAK BERNAM, July 23 — Bumiputera companies have been urged to apply for halal certification to enhance their product image and better compete in international markets.
State executive councillor for Islam and innovation Dr Fahmi Ngah said data showed only 30 per cent of halal certification applicants to the Islamic Development Department were Bumiputera entrepreneurs.
“Based on data, non-Bumiputeras are more interested because they understand that if they want to enter the market, they must have a halal certificate, due to the high number of Muslim consumers.
“However, we encourage Bumiputera entrepreneurs to apply as well. While there is a cost associated with obtaining a halal certificate, it is manageable.
“Bumiputera businesses should seize this opportunity as Malaysia’s halal certification is internationally recognised,” he told reporters after officiating a meat-processing course at the Sabak Bernam Community College here yesterday.
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Image for illustration purposes only. — Picture by BERNAMA[/caption]
Fahmi said Selangor has begun implementing the 23-day renewal and approval process for halal certificates, ahead of next year’s deadline.
“The federal government previously ordered decisions on applications be shortened to within 23 days starting next year, but Selangor began doing this last November.
“The use of a digital system has accelerated the approval process,” he said.
Meanwhile, Fahmi said Selangor is preparing guidelines for certified slaughterhouses, expected to come into effect next year.
He said the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) is developing the guidebook, with the first draft to be tabled in September.
“Laws exist, but enforcement is not perfect. Today, some entrepreneurs prefer to hire foreign workers at lower costs and have them wear kopiah (to give the impression that they are halal-accredited). We aim to increase enforcement to ensure butchers are Jais certified.
“Priority will be given to locals for commercial slaughters as accreditations are required for this task.
“This will increase the people’s confidence in the meat products they consume and shows the state government is serious about halal assurance.”
