Jakim Will Continue To Train Halal Industry Researchers, Says Abdullah

PUTRAJAYA -- The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) will continue to train officers handling research on the halal industry, said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

He said they must know what are the matters that need to be understood in determing whether a product is halal (permitted by Islam).

According to Abdullah, the Cabinet had given the mandate to the Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC) to take over from the Jakim certification of halal products.

"But the certificates issued will also bear Jakim's name and logo because they have been long in use," he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the National Council on Islamic Religious Affairs, here Thursday.

Abdullah said the integrity of the certificates was recognised and its standards was also being used by the United Nations.

"As such, we will not use any other halal certificates," he said.

He said allowing HDC to issue the certification would enhance its role in promoting the nation's halal industry together with other government departments and agencies like SMIDEC.

The Prime Minister also clarified that all research into halal certification would still be carried out by Jakim researchers.

"So, it does not mean they will be replaced, only that they will come under the HDC," he said.