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Non-Muslims urged to venture into Halal industry
Non-Muslim entrepreneurs and companies in Sarawak are encouraged to venture into the Halal industry by following the standards set by Islamic councils and world bodies. Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said a Taiwanese company, which had received the certification to produce Halal food, had taken the opportunity to invest in the Tanjung Manis Halal Hub. The hub has so far attracted RM1.8 billion in investments, he said.
INDONESIA: Biotech crops still viewed with suspicion
Biotechnology can help Indonesia cope with potential food crises caused by climate abnormalities or pests, but it remains underdeveloped due to unclear regulations and suspicion about its safety. It can play a key role in reducing the country’s dependence on imported staple commodities as it can produce higher-yielding crops that are far more resistant to climate-related problems, such as drought, and plant diseases and insects. Antonius Suwanto, a professor of microbiology and molecular genetics from the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB), said recently that understanding of biotechnology in the country remained low despite the fact that it had strong potential to address challenges of global food security by delivering not only higher-yielding crops but also more sustainable agronomics practices. “Biotechnology is an important technology that can improve our food security. It’s not the only solution but it is the most powerful tool,” he told a media briefing on biotechnology held by Monsanto Indonesia.
Filed Under: Science
MALAYSIA: Angkasa to Introduce Syariah Financing Cooperative in January
The Angkatan Koperasi Kebangsaan Malaysia Berhad (Angkasa) is confident the Syariah Financing Cooperative (Kopsya) based on the Islamic banking system would be implemented in January, said Angkasa deputy president Datuk Abdul Fattah Abdullah. He said at the moment about 200 credit cooperatives with a total accumulated fund of RM360 million had agreed to join the Kopsya scheme. "We will begin with credit cooperatives before extending it to other cooperatives including school cooperatives and Kopsya is now in the process of appointing its board of directors," he said. He said the establishment of Kopsya was expected to provide better benefits to cooperatives registered under Angkasa especially on credit loan, education loan and other credit facilities.
Halal Transformation Programme to bring out shared opportunities for Sarawak industry players
Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC) has announced that its third Program Transformasi Halal (PTH) will be held in Kuching Sarawak from 16-18 December. The previous two were held in Gambang and Jeli, which attracted thousands of visitors and industry players. Greater awareness was created of the expanding scope of Halal businesses and the markets that are being grown for Halal products and services, PTH Sarawak will be officiated by Sarawak Chief Minister YAB Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud on Saturday, 17 December 2011 at the Kuching Waterfront. In collaboration with the Sarawak State Government, Jabatan Agama Islam Sarawak and Bahagian Pembangunan Usahawan Sarawak, PTH Sarawak will be held over three days carrying the theme “Waves of Sharing Opportunities”. HDC has designed its Halal Transformation Programme as a roadshow that could reach out to those who are keen to participate in the Halal industry in a bigger way.
Filed Under: Program Transformasi Halal (PTH)
MALAYSIA: Commercial collagen
Steamed with chilli and garlic, the tilapia fish makes for a delicious meal, but a Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) researcher has discovered that the spiny-finned freshwater fish is a rich source of collagen. The discovery offers consumers a Halal alternative for the important protein, which is traditionally obtained from pigs and cows. The collagen was discovered by UPM Faculty of Food and Science Technology lecturer and researcher Prof Dr Jamilah Bakar. She then introduced it to biotech company Bionic Lifesciences, which included the ingredient in its bird’s nest product.
Filed Under: Science
Confab promotes Mideast trade
Workers at Sôn NamGarment Co produce textiles for export to the Middle East in Hoøa Xaù Industrial Zone. Last year, exports to the Mideast totalled $1.65 billion. — VNA/VNS Photo Danh Lam VUÕNG TAØU — The advantages and challenges of bilateral relations between Vieät Nam and the Middle East came under the spotlight at a conference yesterday in the southern province of Baø Ròa-Vuõng Taøu. Speaking at the event, deputy head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Africa – Western Asia – Southern Asia Department Leâ Thaùi Hoøa outlined crude oil, tourism, labour, and science and technology as promising sectors for bilateral co-operation in the future.
Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre kitchens certified Halal
The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre’s (KLCC) Chinese, Western, Cold, Pastry and Malay kitchens have been certified Halal by Malaysian Halal authority Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia. The Halal certification confirms that every item, ingredient, manufacturer, supplier, process and procedure at the centre has been audited by JAKIM and certified Halal. Based on the Malaysian Standards, the centre has complied with all stringent procedures and detailed analysis related to the Halal process. JAKIM conducted a physical site inspection of the centre’s storage area, cold room, process plant and handling aspects during production and packaging, general hygiene, quality control and assurance practices.
Businessmen unveil plans for ‘Muslim Facebook’
A group of Muslim businessmen unveiled plans in Turkey for a Facebook-style social networking site with “healthy values” for a young, Islamic audience. SalamWorld.com, which will make its internet debut next year, “will seek to unify the youth in a common vision and the healthy values of Islam while attempting to not diffuse any unhealthy information,” said Akhmed Azimov, the initiative’s vice-president. Based in Istanbul, with offices in Moscow and Cairo and coordinators in 30 countries, the site hopes to attract 50 million users within three years, Azimov told about 150 journalists from Muslim countries at the company’s luxurious Istanbul offices.
Filed Under: Products & Services
MALAYSIA: Malaysia Launches Portal on Islam
Malaysia government has launched a new portal on Islam to serve as a source of reference for Muslims to get information and guidance on matters related to the teachings of Islam, the Malaysia Star reported on Tuesday, December 6. "Information provided through the portal will cover all aspects of Islamic," Prime Minister's Department Jamil Khir Baharom told a press conference. All issues related to the religion such as Halal food and hajj is on this portal,” he said. The new portal, www.islamgrid.gov.my, was officially launched on Monday, December 5.
MALAYSIA: Muslim PR Practitioners Should Correct Misconception of Islam - Mukhriz
International Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir has urged Muslim public relations (PR) practitioners to play their role in correcting whatever misconception or wrong perception of Islam. He said they should also refute the malicious disinformation and spin which were intended to give a wrong picture of Muslims. "Prejudices, racism and Islamophobia are tangible expressions that do not go away easily. So, effective PR is one method to address these problems and reinstate the truth," he said. His speech was read by the ministry's advisor, Datuk Nik Zainiah Nik Abdul Rahman, at the 1st Global Congress for Muslim Public Relations Practitioners.