KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) said it was ready to streamline existing procedures and collaborate with relevant agencies to strengthen the country's halal ecosystem and further develop the halal industry.
Following a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday, Jakim director general Datin Hakimah Mohd Yusoff emphasised that the halal certification system is considered a 'key factor' in attracting investment, expanding the country's exports, and bolstering Malaysia's position in the global halal industry.
"The department welcomes the Prime Minister's recommendation to enhance strategic cooperation and synergy among stakeholders, including government agencies at both federal and state levels, as well as the private sector and statutory bodies, to foster a more holistic halal ecosystem.
"This collaboration will optimise resources, strengthen the halal framework, and ensure more competitive and sustainable growth both nationally and globally," Hakimah told the New Straits Times.
She added that as the competent authority overseeing Malaysia's halal certification, Jakim and the respective state Islamic authorities will maintain their commitment to ensuring that the country's halal certification is managed transparently, with credibility, and in compliance with existing laws.
On Tuesday, after the meeting, Anwar highlighted that economic prospects in the halal sector, both domestically and internationally, required collaboration among federal agencies to further invigorate Malaysia's halal industry.
He also pointed out the importance of coordinated efforts between Jakim and enforcement agencies to combat all forms of deviant teachings and ideologies.
Hakimah further stated that Jakim, along with state Islamic authorities, is working closely with the police to root out the doctrine of Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) Sdn Bhd.
She said several joint operations with the police have uncovered evidence related to the continued practice of Aurad Muhammadiyah.
"Based on these findings, state authorities are reviewing potential legal actions, in line with the state fatwa that banned Aurad Muhammadiyah in the 1990s," she said.