No reports linking Jakim officers to ‘meat cartel’: Zulkifli

SEREMBAN – There have been no reports linking Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) officers with the smuggling of frozen meat that is sold in the country with dubious halal labels.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Seri Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri said he always advises agency personnel to work with integrity.

“God willing, I will not say that (there is involvement) unless there is evidence, and so far, I am confident no officers are involved.

“I also just visited Jakim’s laboratory. Thank God, what I saw was proof of their earnestness,” he told reporters here today.

He said the agency will conduct monitoring, in cooperation with the relevant departments, ministries and state governments, to ensure clarity on matters related to the halal status.

It was reported this week that there is a syndicate smuggling in frozen meat from China, Ukraine, Brazil and Argentina before repackaging the product with the halal logo at a warehouse in Senai, Johor.

Johor Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia acting president Muhammed Farhan Basheer yesterday urged Putrajaya to investigate the matter.

Meanwhile, the Johor chapter of Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) has called on the state government to release the list of traders who are supplied by a frozen meat company believed to be involved in the syndicate.

Johor Baru Isma president Wan Mohd Azli Wan Ahmad said this is crucial to ensure consumers, particularly Muslims, do not buy the suspect product.

“The halal issue is a big one for Muslims. People are afraid to buy meat now after knowing about this ‘meat cartel’.

“Meat sellers are also affected because people are wary. I hope the authorities will intensify enforcement because this involves their integrity and transparency,” he told Bernama today.

He said the association also wants the state government to investigate the possibility of other frozen meat suppliers’ involvement.

The issue has not only affected the credibility of the halal logo issued by Jakim, but also agencies abroad, he said.

It is time government-linked companies take the halal industry seriously, said Wan Azli, adding that Muslims must have better awareness of the “Buy Muslim First” campaign. – Bernama, December 4, 2020