KUALA LUMPUR: The establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to investigate the alleged wrongful use of halal logos for smuggled meat is the best way to investigate the issue.
In a statement today, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri said the idea has found favour and was agreed upon by the relevant parties involved and is seen as crucial for the benefit of Muslims in the country.
Earlier today, in the Dewan Negara, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Deputy Minister Rosol Wahid announced that the government had agreed and fully supported the proposal to set up an RCI to investigate the issue of meat smuggling that abused the halal logo.
Rosol said the government viewed the issue of illegal meat cartels seriously as it is causing anxiety among the people.
Zulkifli also welcomed the ministry’s intention to set up a Legal and Halal Enforcement Committee to coordinate action and issues relating to halal, which will also comprise the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and the State Islamic Religious Department (JAIN).
He said he and Jakim were concerned about the recent illegal meat cartel case, adding that several visits were made to companies of industry players involved in the importation and slaughter of meat.
“This effort is carried out from time to time to ensure the quality of halal certification of meat products produced in the country is at its best.
“For imported meat products, Jakim will continue to intensify efforts and improvements to ensure that the Foreign Halal Certification Body complies with all the standards that have been set,” he said.