ANALYSIS OF HALAL ASSURANCE MANAGEMENT ON IMPORTED FOOD PRODUCTS IN MALAYSIA

Abstract

The entry of imported food products into Malaysia is on an increasing trend. However, the halal monitoring and enforcement system's weakness has given room to irresponsible entrepreneurs not conforming to the manual procedure for Malaysia's halal certification. This weakness gives rise to various malpractices, including the smuggling activities, forgery of international halal logo and certificate, and attempts of contaminating with nonhalal ingredients in the food processor. The management of the halal assurance system on imported food products in Malaysia is carried out by JAKIM and other government agencies such as the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumers Affairs (KPDNHEP), Ministry of Health (MOH), Food Safety Information System of Malaysia (FOSIM), Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (MAQIS), Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) and Local Authority. The monitoring and enforcement are based on Manual Procedure for Malaysian Halal Certification (MPPHM), Malaysian Standard (MS), Trade Descriptions Act 2011 (TDA 2011), and other related directives. Therefore, despite many agencies contributing to this matter, an analysis of Halal Assurance Management on Imported Food Products in Malaysia is crucially needed to manage halal monitoring and enforcement. This study may contribute to halal management in Malaysia to develop a systematic halal assurance management system, particularly for imported food products. This study can provide a guideline for imported food product entrepreneurs in conforming to the act, regulations, procedure, and standard specified by the authorities. The implication of this study also benefits the consumers. They will become more confident in the halal status of imported food products and entrust the Malaysian management of halal assurance in the monitoring and enforcement system.