‘Halal’ Concept Viewed As Complex In Food Industry

Borneo Bulletin - The concept of 'halal' is relatively simple but in the food industry, it has become increasingly complex, as there is a need to ensure that its procedures are within the Syariah guidelines.

'The ongoing maturation and sophistication of the 'halal' industry has brought about new questions for our Islamic scholars, as this requires a new level of collaboration with our scientific community and our industry specialists.

This observation was made by Dato Paduka Hj Hamdillah bin Hj Abdul Wahab, the Deputy Minister of Industry Sr Primary Resources in his keynote speech during the opening ceremony of the third International Halal Market Conference (IHMC) themed "The Emergence of the Halal Market economy" at International Convention Centre yesterday. With the Halal market worth an estimated US$2 trillion a year and growing at US$500 billion annually due to an ever-increasing Muslim population, this sector is now considered the fastest growing market in the world.

In light of this, Brunei is mulling to set up a Halal Product Academy, which will be the first of its kind facilitating Islamic scholars and specialists in Halal science and research. According to Date Paduka Hj Hamdillah, 'halal' in Brunei takes on a very special meaning and relevance for us.

"With our long and rich tradition that is now embodied in the national philosophy of Malay Islamic Monarchy, we view the propagation of Halal principles, and their application in the market as something that is in harmony with our core values as a Muslim nation," he said.

Earlier, the chairman of the conference, Date Paduka Haji Mohd Hamid bin Haji Mohd Jafaar, highlighted the diverse elements within the global market that are being drawn together by the common interest and goals of promoting and purchasing 'halal' goods and services into an increasing unified market forces.

Date Haji Mohd Hamid said that in the wide-range of human economic activity spectrum, the question of 'halal' compliance is evermore becoming an issue of importance and thus, the conference would provide the platform for industry players to share their views, knowledge, expertise and experiences on managing and profiting from the multibillion dollar 'halal' industry.

Some 300 international delegates are attending the conference, which will draw to a close today.