Malaysia, Indonesia to spearhead single global halal logo
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Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi said 40 countries have established cooperation with the Malaysia Islamic Development Department on this matter.
PHOTO: ST FILE
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KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia and Indonesia are leading discussions towards consolidating the halal logo at the global level, said Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi.
Datuk Seri Zahid said the two countries are hoping to bring this up at the World Halal Council meeting, set to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in November.
“I have discussed this with our Indonesian counterparts in the past few days, and we have also discussed this matter during the Kazan dialogue in Russia.
“If we have very strong willpower, it can be accepted globally. Halal is not only for Muslims, but for everyone,” Dr Zahid told media after taking part in a forum discussion at the Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Economic Forum held here on May 28.
Dr Zahid, who is chairman of the Halal Industry Development Council of Malaysia, said the move is aimed at having only one halal logo.
“This means we may not need differing halal logos across different countries, but instead use the standard that is used by the Malaysia Islamic Development Department (known as Jakim) as the benchmark on how halal certifications are issued,” he said.
“We will not compromise on halal standards. Jakim has a very high standard of halal certification as well, which has been recognised by 88 halal bodies globally, with Jakim also providing accreditation.”
Dr Zahid also said there are 40 countries that have established cooperation with Jakim on this matter.
“Let us be on the front line so we can help other countries. We have also seen GCC countries being very committed towards Malaysia’s efforts here.
“China, too, has previously held discussions with us on this matter,” he said.
He said the halal certification is marketed not only within the region, but also globally.
Dr Zahid said Malaysia is also looking to form an Asean halal council, alongside establishing a halal commission.
He said a working paper on establishing the halal commission is in the works.
“I am chairing the formation of this commission which will not take up any additional allocations but instead use the Halal Development Corporation to implement it,” he said.
Earlier on May 28, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Zafrul Abdul Aziz said his ministry will be bringing the working paper on the establishment of the halal commission to the Cabinet.
“We are currently obtaining feedback from the related stakeholders and other ministries. Once it is passed, we will reveal more details on this,” he added. THE STAR/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK
