KUALA LUMPUR: The Department of Islamic Development (Jakim) today announced an action plan to manage the scandal surrounding the activities of a meat cartel which had been actively smuggling non-certified meat into Malaysia to later be sold as halal beef.
Jakim deputy director-general (operations) Datuk Abdul Aziz Jusoh said the agency, whose job scope includes the halal certification of meat, has put into place a series of initiatives geared towards resolving the issue.
This, he said, would involve the cooperation of other bodies such as the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPHDNHEP), Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis) as well as the Customs Department.
"Discussions and meetings with the relevant bodies have and will continue to be done from time to time. We will also intensify visits to abattoirs and imported meat collection centres, as well as finalise the improved standard operating procedures by January," he said.
The action plan will kick start with a meeting on Jan 5 next year between Jakim, KPDNHEP, Maqis and Customs which, among others, aims to outline jurisdiction, steps to be taken to address the issue, as well as drafting a joint action plan on the import of beef and beef products.
A roundtable discussion would then be organised on Jan 11 with importers and distributors, also involving KPDNHEP, Maqis and Customs.
The discussion, said Jakim, would centre on issues faced by the importers and distributors, providing an explanation on the SOP, encouraging them to apply for the Malaysian Halal Certificate (SPHM), as well as requiring SPHM holders to obtain supplies only from certified sources.
Jakim said it also plans to promote certification bodies and foreign halal logos which have received its approval. This, said the agency, encompasses 84 halal certification bodies from 46 countries.
"Monitoring visits will also be conducted on importers, SPHM holders as well as abattoirs, with increased checks on SPHM holders," said the agency.
Jakim said it would also update its halal-certified product recognition application. It also aims to review all new applications, update and also revoke certifications as per its SOP.
Abdul Aziz said he hopes that the imported and local beef industry would continue to abide by the SOP.
"Industry players are also encouraged to apply for the SPH so that there are no longer issues related to the smuggling of uncertified meat and logos which are not approved by Jakim," he said.