The latest result from the lab analysis conducted by the Chemistry
Department on Cadbury Roast Almond and Hazelnut chocolate had confirmed
that the chocolates did not contain porcine DNA as reported earlier.
However, the findings did not help to soothe the nerves of the public
who seem to be disappointed over the whole affair that started with the
Health Ministry's findings that porcine DNA was found in the samples of
the chocolate bar.
The ministry stated that the affected Cadbury Dairy Milk Hazelnut
chocolate bars were from batch number 200813 M01HI2 (expiry date, Nov
13, 2014) and Cadbury Dairy Milk Roast Almond chocolate bar, batch
number 221013 N01RI1 (expiry date, Jan 15, 2015).
In a sudden turn of events, the contradicting findings between the
Ministry of Health and the Chemistry Department has put the Islamic
Development Department of Malaysia (Jakim) in a fix with its credibility
and integrity as the agency responsible for providing the halal status
being questioned.
Several non-governmental organisations (ngos) even made a police report
against the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri
Jamil Khir Baharom who announced the department's findings. The
Chemistry Department is JAKIM's referral agency over halal matters.
And ever since Jakim has been criticised and taunted. At the social
websites, some blamed Jakim for not being transparent and not telling
the truth. Others went further in admonishing the department, saying
Jakim is corrupted and even disputed the Chemistry Department's results.
WE ARE MUSLIMS TOO
Jakim's Director General Datuk Othman Mustapha noted that it is unfair
to rebuke the body unjustly as it did its best in carrying out its
responsibility.
The society has to calm down and think rationally because being an
Islamic body, Jakim would certainly not betray the trust of Muslims.
"Like you, I'm a Muslim too, in fact my officers too are Muslims and we
have families who are also Muslim consumers...we certainly don't have
the heart to see and allow our family and other Muslims consume products
tainted with porcine DNA.
"In fact, many of the employees at the chocolate company are Muslims
...don't tell me they are going to allow the society and their families
consume something not halal," he said in an interview at his office in
Putrajaya recently.
Othman noted that every product with a halal logo have been screened
using standard operating procedure (SOP) to ensure the product meets
the high and stringent standards.
"It is not easy for us to issue the halal certificate and that is why
Jakim is often blamed for being late in processing applications for
halal status," he said.
INTEGRITY
Othman also rubbished claims of misconduct and corruption within Jakim
saying different teams and individuals were involved in processing the
application for halal status.
All application process to obtain halal status, including the inspection
and monitoring of the premises were conducted by Jakim and they were
not outsourced to ensure the integrity of the whole process.
"Misconduct is next to impossible...if it involves bribery, which level
is involved? At the process or audit level? They are not involved in
making decisions, in fact there are auditors who make recommendation for
the halal status but the panel can still reject the application if it
is still not satisfied," he said.
He stated that the implementation of the SOP is very important in maintaining impartiality and avoiding conflict of interest.
"There were proposals to outsource but we already have the in-house
expertise ...moreover if the inspection is outsourced then there will be
issues over the charges, integrity and keeping up with the SOP...thus
Jakim has decided to do it on its own," he said.
THE HALAL CERTIFICATE CANNOT BE BOUGHT
Othman said it was next to impossible to buy the halal certificate as
the applicant has to undergo a vigorous process and adhere to all
conditions before the halal certificate is issued.
"If there was any halal certificate for sale, it is the work of
unscrupulous third parties who claim they could acquire easily the halal
certificate when in fact it involves a rigorous and difficult process,"
he said.
Othman also made it clear that while it was not compulsory to apply for
the halal logo, action would be taken if a product carried the halal
logo without proper certification.
The consumers can download the Halal-Square application on their
handphones or other devices to check the authenticity of the halal label
at business premises.
"We provide the halal posters to restaurants and hotels that can be
scanned with the Halal-Square application...thus the consumers will know
instantly the halal status of the premises and whether the halal
certification is still valid, has expired or its false," he said.
CAN AFFECT THE NATION'S IMAGE
Othman pointed out any issues relating to halal if blown out of
proportion before being verified could affect Malaysia's image as a
halal hub and a referral point for other nations on halal matters.
"Now the Arab nations refer to us for guidance and in developing their halal system.
"Being a nation that is referred to by many other countries don't tell
me we can ignore porcine DNA...I fear that these issue can bring a bad
name for the country," he said.
FOREIGN HALAL BODIES RECOGNISED
He said Jakim also has the Foreign Halal Bodies Recognition Scheme and
hitherto 57 halal bodies from 23 nations have been recognised.
"This is to assist Jakim and the industry here when the businesses
import raw material, it needs halal conformation from the producing
country...the producing country issues halal certification and we accept
them.
"As we cannot inspect every ingredient as each company has hundreds of
products and thousands of ingredients, so we seek the cooperation of
other nations using this approach," he added.
WINNING BACK THE TRUST
Admitting that the Cadbury chocolate issue has affected public
confidence on Jakim, Othman said Jakim's immediate measure is to win
back the people's trust.
"Public awareness on halal is very high now, yet they do not understand
Jakim's procedures, thus they end up confused and indignant at Jakim's
uncompromising stand on halal," he said.
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2 comments:
Tak makan cokelat tak mati pon.
Apa yang bising sangat ni?
Menteri Agama dan Pengarah JAKIM haru letak jawatan.
yg buat blunder kementeria kesihatan,pasal apa jakim nak disalahkan
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