Relevant Government Agencies

The word halal is not the sole property of Muslims but has expanded internationally with trading communities embracing it. HAVE you ever thought why non-Muslim consumers in other countries choose halal goods while Muslim consumers in Malaysia are sometimes petty about halal certification? Malaysia is made of many races, religions and cultures and this has become an important asset in the development of the Halal Malaysia certification. Generally, the use of the halal logo and certification system in this country is seen to be in the interest of Muslim consumers. The certification enables them to select goods without doubt of their halal status. This aside, after 30 years of its introduction, the response has been overwhelming. The word halal is not only the sole property of Muslims but has now expanded into international markets. Trading communities who are generally composed of non-Muslims are beginning to realise the importance of the halal certification. This has broken the barriers of religious and cultural differences and has transcended the view that halal is only for Muslims. Similar changes have taken place among industries throughout the world, even in Asia, which have made the halal logo a marketing tool in winning the hearts of consumers. Statistics show that Malaysian Halal Certificate holders have increased to 3,889 from 2008. This is expected to increase further after the amendment of Trade Descriptions Act 1972, which is expected to be enforced next year. Producers today have placed the halal logo at a higher value. This is irrespective of what race, religion or cultural background a trader is from. In fact, without it, they face difficulty in marketing their products. Before halal identification became an important factor in world trade today, halal sensitivity had been firmly rooted in the culture of Muslim communities, particularly regarding the source of end products for daily consumption and use. However, the use of ingredients labelling in food products in the past was not viewed as very important as compared to today. Furthermore, knowledge and awareness of Muslim communities towards basic ingredients was not given enough attention. Jakim, as a coordinating body of halal certification in Malaysia, has introduced the standard Halal Malaysia logo, which is intended to answer the most frequently asked questions and misconception in regards to halal certification. This logo carries the word halal in Arabic and the Malaysia is written in Roman. The main objective of this logo standardisation is to abolish the use of fake certificates and any other halal logos, which are not certified by authorising bodies. The tabling of Budget 2010 lends further to the seriousness of the Government and the honourable Prime Minister in emphasising the growth market of halal services and products. To build Malaysia towards becoming a Halal Hub, Jakim is working closely with various agencies

and ministries in upgrading the capability and services of the halal certification system and standardising its mechanism between Jakim and state Islamic authorities. Mampu provides assistance in upgrading the effectiveness of the halal certification work process through Pemudah; the public-private taskforce formed to ensure ease when conducting business dealings in Malaysia. In the 10th Malaysia Plan, RM27.5mil has been allocated to set up a Halal Hub Institute in Bandar Enstek. This institute will be equipped with laboratories and R&D facilities and is expected to begin operations in 2014. With the setting up of this institute, Jakim can be the focus for local and foreign communities in halal certification in the region. Malaysia is renowned throughout the world as the first country to develop a comprehensive halal standard in the year 2000. The Department of Standards Malaysia has published a few halal standards. Jakim is working with the Health Ministry, MDTCC, Halal Industry Development Corporation, International Trade and Industry Ministry, Veterinary Department, Agriculture Department, universities, consumer bodies and industry sectors in upgrading the standard development for halal certification. The Government has mandated that imported meat and meat based products shall be halal. In ensuring these rules are safeguarded, Jakim plays an important role in determining the halal status of these products. With the Veterinary Department, Jakim will inspect abattoirs and processing plants in the exporting countries in order to certify that they meet our halal standards. Jakim also recognises foreign halal certification bodies to ensure the halal status of imported products, including raw materials and additives. Today, we have recognised 51 halal certification bodies from 25 nations. In fact, in 2010 alone, Jakim has received 13 new applications from foreign certification bodies. The use of the halal logo has changed rapidly. It has become a necessity for producers in todays consumer-driven market. Through the halal industry, the Government has succeeded in opening competitive business opportunities between producers so that goods will be of higher quality and acceptable without doubt. A healthier business climate successfully pioneered in local markets is gradually expanding to international markets. The recent launch of the E-Halal Track and Trace RFID in Guangzhou, China on Nov 17 is expected to provide huge benefits to the country, especially in promoting Halal Malaysia in China; a market which has vast potential in further elevating Halal Malaysias credibility worldwide. This programme will also be a breakthrough between the two countries in order to realise Malaysia as a Global Halal Hub. We cannot separate halal from its source and origin. Only consumers who exercise their rights will choose halal product and services, which are assured from the aspects of safety and cleanliness, in line with the motto Halal Malaysia, the Choice of Assurance. HALAL INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION HDC has been tasked to further boost the Halal agenda in terms of standards development, branding enhancement as well as commercial and industry development.

DEPARTMENT OF ISLAMIC DEVELOPMENT MALAYSIA JAKIM is a Malaysian Government institution which has established Malaysia Halal logo and implemented Halal Certification System. Issues Halal certificate for local and export markets. Monitoring and enforcement of halal guidelines. JABATAN AGAMA ISLAM NEGERI AND MAJLIS AGAMA ISLAM NEGERI Help in monitoring to protect Halal integrity. Issues Halal certificate for domestic markets only. MINISTRY OF DOMESTIC TRADE COOPERATIVES AND CONSUMERISM KPDNHEP provides enforcement and monitoring programme to protect Halal integrity Halal logo and consumers interest. MINISTRY OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY MITI formulates strategies and provides incentives to encourage trade and investment in Halal products and services. MITIs focus is not only in the promotion of Halal products and services. The Ministry takes a holistic view and has worked with the Ministry of Finance to design and provide incentives and support along the whole chain of the manufacturing process. At the international level, MITI assumes an active role in promoting the Malaysian Halal Standard to be used as a benchmark for the International Halal Standard. MALAYSIA EXTERNAL TRADE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION MATRADE, as the national trade promotion agency under MITI, undertakes various export promotion activities including the promotion of the Halal sector. These activities include participation in international trade fairs overseas, organising specialised Halal marketing missions to selected markets, undertaking advertising and promotion of the Halal sector and disseminating information on market opportunities in the Halal industry to Malaysian companies. DEPARTMENT OF STANDARDS MALAYSIA STANDARDS MALAYSIA play active role in assisting Malaysia to accelerate Halal industry by developing Malaysian Standard on Halal Food (MS 1500) also helps industry leaders in development and promotion of Malaysias Halal Standards and continually to develop and update Malaysia Halal Standards. ECONOMIC PLANNING UNIT EPU support and helps in formulate Halal industry Master plan to strengthen the role and function. SME CORPORATION MALAYSIA SME Corporation Malaysia (previously known as Small Medium Industries Development Corporation (SMIDEC)) provides matching grants to SMEs for Halal product development and product formulation, sample testing, acquisition of machinery and equipment, renovation expenditure for compliance to certification requirement, other related costs for compliance to requirements of Halal certification and promotional activities. Other useful links by SME Corporation Malaysia: Funds and Schemes for SMEs Promoted by The Govt. Overseas Promotion Programmes Funds and Advisory Services for Small and Medium Enterprise DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY

Department of Chemistry is the leader in Halal product analysis and traceability. Specialized in Meat Speciation / Halal DNA Functions as well research and product quality assurance. MALAYSIA PRODUCTIVITY CORPORATION Help in identify potentials in Halal industry as well provides training and consultancy to SMEs and industries to meet Halal standards and requirements. MALAYSIAN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY One of MIDA role is to help disseminate information and provide updates on policies and Halal incentives. DEPARTMENT OF VETERINARY SERVICES DVS provides consultancy and advisory services on Halal livestock to the food industry. Issues VHM logo for meat based products. Monitoring and enforcement. Issues export permit and veterinary health certificate. Link : List of Approved Abattoir ROYAL MALAYSIAN CUSTOMS Monitoring Halal product import and export. Issues export documents DEPARTMENT OF STATISTIC MALAYSIA DOSM provides updates on Halal market and responsible in collecting, interpreting and disseminate latest and real time statistics in the monitoring of national economic performance and social development .

MALAYSIAN AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE Play active role with other research institute in enhancing research and development in Halal products especially in Halal food processing technology and leveraging upon technological development of Halal products STANDARDS AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF MALAYSIA SIRIM support R&D for Halal in areas of advance material and advance manufacturing. OTHER MALAYSIAN GOVERNMENT MINISTRIES MOF: Ministry of Finance MOSTI: Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation MoTOUR: Ministry of Tourism Malaysia MOT: Ministry of Transport MOA: Ministry of Agriculture NPCB: National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau MOH: Ministry of Health MOH acted under Food Safety and Quality Division, issues health and HACCP certificate as well as monitoring the performance of the food factory. Useful link FOSIM Food Safety Information System LOCAL UNIVERSITIES AND RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS Provides R&D and courses in Halal matters. HPRI : Halal Product Research Institute of UPM and Halal Industry Research Centre of IIUM as among the leading research Institute in Halal matters, giving full dedication in their R&D and findings.