KUALA LUMPUR – The hotly debated issue of meat smuggling is outside the jurisdiction and responsibilities of the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim), said its research division’s senior director, Datuk Sirajuddin Suhaimee.
He said the role of Jakim is to check whether a slaughterhouse abroad complies in its processes with Islamic law from slaughtering to packaging.
“The meat import permit is issued by the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department. When the product reaches the national gates, the Royal Malaysian Customs Department will look at it in terms of taxes.
“After the meat product is in the warehouse in the country, it is subject to the Trade Descriptions Act 2011 under the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP),” said Sirajuddin.
He said this in a special segment of Ask Jakim titled “Halal Certificate SOP: Where’s the Mistake?” which was posted online on Jakim’s Facebook today.
Sirajuddin said Jakim was aware that many people questioned the department for not speaking up on the issue of smuggled meat after its recent revelation by the media.
Among the questions leveled at Jakim concerned its silence and failure to reveal the names of companies or brands involved.
He said the authorities conducting the investigation would reveal the names once the investigation into the case is completed.
Sirajuddin said Jakim did not issue any statement on the issue because the investigation on the matter is still being conducted by KPDNHEP.
“Let the investigation be conducted in the best way without interruption. Provide the relevant agency with room to investigate. Feedback from Jakim will create a bad atmosphere. The investigation will be affected if Jakim issues a statement,” he said.
Many have questioned Jakim on this matter, considering the department to be fully responsible for the process of importing meat.
When asked whether the smuggling had been taking place for 40 years as alleged, he said the matter could not be confirmed or denied because the allegation came from industry players and not an agency or enforcement body.
The issue heated up when the media reported on cartel activities smuggling frozen exotic meat from China, Ukraine, Brazil, and Argentina and repackaging the meat with the halal logo at a warehouse in Senai, Johor. – Bernama, December 28, 2020
