HALAL COMPLIANCE IN THE BOTTLED DRINKING WATER INDUSTRY: A CASE STUDY AT AL-KHALISS ENTERPRISE, KELANTAN
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35631/AIJBES.829128Keywords:
Bottled Drinking Water, Halal Assurance System (IHAS), Halal Compliance, JAKIM Certification, MS1500:2019Abstract
This study aims to examine halal compliance practices at Al-Khaliss Enterprise, a JAKIM-certified bottled drinking water manufacturer in Kelantan, Malaysia, following its relocation from a manual production facility to a semi-automated factory. A qualitative case study approach was employed using semi-structured interviews with three key informants (the factory manager, assistant manager, and a part-time worker), supported by direct observations conducted during an internship and document analysis based on MS1500:2019 and related halal standards. The findings reveal that the company has implemented several commendable halal compliance practices, including systematic production workflows, 5S housekeeping, mandatory use of personal protective equipment (PPE), routine contamination monitoring, and proactive communication in addressing public misconceptions regarding its products. However, several challenges remain, including the absence of a formal Internal Halal Assurance System (IHAS), undocumented standard operating procedures (SOPs), inconsistent halal training, adaptation difficulties following factory relocation, and resource limitations that affect operational consistency. The study concludes that strengthening halal assurance requires the implementation of a structured IHAS, formal halal induction and refresher training, documented SOPs, the appointment of an internal halal coordinator, and improved logistical planning during operational transitions. These measures are expected to bridge the gap between halal certification and daily operational practice, thereby enhancing consumer confidence and supporting the long-term sustainability of halal compliance among small and medium-sized bottled drinking water manufacturers.
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