Malaysia to Unify Halal Standards

When it comes to the standards and procedures involved in issuing Halal certification, there is a lack of synchronization, which shows an inopportuneness in recognizing the numerous Halal marks across the region and the world.

Datuk Seri Jamil Bidin, CEO of the Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC), said keeping up with all these standards of transnational certification bodies may be a major challenge, but the focus should be on ways to further develop this industry.

'Different countries have different standards according to their own interpretations, which is fine, because even if you look at religion, there are different schools of thought.

'Because of this, standards have been modified to suit local culture and requirements, (and) we should not argue about differences in standards, but learn to respect each other.

'We cannot say whose standard is right or wrong, but I think this has not been resolved (because) there are still arguments about whose standard or certification is better,' he said.

'For me, it is not worth the effort (to argue), because the local reality is that consumers around the world, especially Muslims, do not care about the mark, standard or certification they use.

'There are 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide, and of course they want Halal products, but that is it.

'Everyone has their own standard, and I think industry development is more important.

'Develop your industry so that it brings returns to your economy, rather than arguing about standards and certifications,' he urged.

Nevertheless, Malaysia's efforts to unify these countless standards will lead this initiative.

Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced the establishment of the International Halal Authority Board (IHAB) in June, as part of the Malaysia Halal Council (MHC) 2018-2020 agenda.

Among other things, it will see Halal authorities from around the world come together to synchronize the procedures involved in issuing Halal certification for products and services.

Zahid, who is also chairman of the MHC, said the council will also establish an international research academy for Halal, the first such institute in the region.

Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee, director of the JAKIM Halal Hub, said IHAB is an initiative aimed at maintaining the country's leading position among global Halal players.

'Currently, JAKIM recognizes 67 Halal certification bodies from 41 countries, which means all certified products can be exported to Malaysia.

'We look forward to the launch of IHAB, which will be a way for all certification bodies to be on one platform to harmonize Halal standards, so products can be transported from one place in the world to another,' he added.