KUALA LUMPUR – The government is committed to addressing the issue of imported frozen meat bearing fake halal logos as soon as possible, including considering setting up a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI).
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Seri Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri said discussions have started and will continue until the issue is resolved.
“We will discuss with the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim), its Halal Management Division, and several ministries to see where the weaknesses are for us to fix.
“I promise immediate action will be taken in line with Jakim’s standards and jurisdiction,” he told reporters after inspecting a centre for imported frozen meat, Lucky Frozen Sdn Bhd, here today.
On setting up the RCI, Zulkifli asked to be given time to discuss it first.
“We need to study this matter in depth. But it will not take long – (maybe) a few days to a week – for us to obtain responses and information about the issues we can tackle immediately,” he said.
The media reported that a meat cartel is believed to be involved in smuggling non-certified meat from China, Ukraine, Brazil, and Argentina before repackaging them with fake halal labels at a warehouse in Senai, Johor.
Meanwhile, on the action taken against TH Properties Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Damanhuri Mahmod over his alleged misconduct, Zulkifli said he has held a meeting with the CEO over the matter via video conference today, and gave him some advice.
“He has also shown me the letter of apology he issued on December 25. I said I do not want such language or words used, and even when in a state of extreme anger, we must follow what Prophet Muhammad has taught us.
“God willing, he promised me (he would heed the advice), and we want to focus on the development of TH Properties and other matters as much as possible to restore the stability, strength and integrity of Lembaga Tabung Haji,” he said.
Recently, a video showing Damanhuri uttering rude words in a meeting believed to involve the administrative staff of the real estate company went viral. – Bernama, December 28, 2020
