The Pahang Islamic Religious Department (JAIP) needs to improve its enforcement procedures for Halal certification and logo misuse to go beyond current practice of only issuing verbal and written warnings.

Based on the 2012 Auditor-General’s (AG) report, it was highlighted that the Islamic department’s performance regarding management of Halal certification was unsatisfactory due largely to lack of enforcement.

“JAIP’s enforcement is less than satisfactory as they are not authorised to issue summons or to ‘seize the premises’ of those who use the Halal certificate and logo without permission,” noted the AG report.

Issuing summons and seizing premises can only be done by the Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Ministry (KPDNKK).

The Rules on the Administration of Islamic Law (Halal Certification) 1998 has been drawn on the advice of the Majlis Ugama Islam Dan Adat Resam Melayu Pahang (MUIP), to give recognition and provide assurance that food consumed and products used are halal, pure and of good quality.

A review committee on food and product usage for Muslims in the state of Pahang has been established under Sub Rule 3 of MUIP’s administration and managed by JAIP’s Halal management unit (research division).

This committee is responsible, among other things, for the issuance of Halal certificates and logo as well as undertaking research on food consumed and product usage for Muslims.

They are also responsible for monitoring premises that apply for or renew Halal certificates and for establishing a verification system to ensure the uniformity of Halal certificates issued throughout the state of Pahang.

Set up monitoring committee

However, the AG report noted that the management of the Halal certification was also unsatisfactory due to the absence of a monitoring committee to ensure enforcement is carried out more effectively.

“Monitoring is only done based on complaints received from the public and during visits to the premises for new applications or for renewal of the Halal certificate,” it said.

The report urged JAIP to establish a monitoring committee to ensure enforcement is carried out more effectively.

“JAIP should increase joint operations involving relevant agencies to ensure that Halal certificate holders comply with stipulated laws and regulations.

“The Halal management unit must also be strengthened to ensure that the issuances of Halal certificate and logo are implemented more efficiently,” said the report.

*This article was published by FMT News. Read the original article here.