Puchong slaughterhouse not under Jakim's halal monitoring, says Zulkifli
KUALA LUMPUR: A chicken slaughterhouse suspected of operating without local authority permits was not listed in the Department of Islamic Development (Jakim)’s monitoring records because it did not have halal certification.
KUALA LUMPUR: A chicken slaughterhouse in Puchong, Malaysia, not registered in the Department of Islamic Development's (Jakim) halal monitoring system, was found to be processing and distributing chicken without proper approvals, according to Dr Zulkifli Hasan. The minister, acting in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), emphasized Jakim's seriousness regarding the issue, concerning Syariah compliance, hygiene, and consumer confidence in the halal status of chicken in the market.
The premises' operational and sales records were absent from Jakim's halal certification monitoring records or the respective State Islamic Religious Departments. Jakim's halal certification authority is governed by the Trade Descriptions Act 2011 and the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking of Halal) Order 2011. A voluntary slaughterhouse scheme enables operators to obtain halal certification, ensuring slaughtering and animal handling adhere to Syariah principles and certification requirements.
Jakim, along with State Islamic Religious Departments and Councils, enforces oversight through halal certification, audits, and monitoring. However, due to the voluntary nature of halal certification in Malaysia, protecting the halal poultry supply chain requires collaboration between various agencies, such as local authorities, the Department of Veterinary Services, and the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.
Jakim continues to strengthen joint inspections, intelligence sharing, and investigations into complaints to safeguard consumer interests and maintain the integrity of the halal poultry supply chain. Compounds totaling RM40,000 were imposed against three companies for regulatory non-compliance in past cases. On October 30, over 6.5 tonnes of raw chicken, processed without complying with Syariah slaughtering regulations and halal requirements, were seized during a raid in Puchong, Selangor, and 12 Bangladeshi and Pakistani men involved in the operation were arrested.
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