Role of Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) in Controlling the Importation of Halal Meat in Malaysia

Abstract

The issue relating to meat smuggling from abroad and repackaging in Malaysia and labelled using halal logo has raised public concerned recently as regards to the public trust to halal imported meat. The recent discoveries within the halal meat industry have impeached the reliability of the existing legal framework governing the import of halal meat to Malaysia including reliability to the JAKIM as the halal certification authority related to halal meat import. The existing halal legal framework that is scattered and non-unified contributed to the uncertain jurisdiction of multi-authority including JAKIM. The objective of this study is to examine the role of JAKIM in controlling the halal meat import for assurance of halal throughout supply chain for sustainability of halal meat industry in Malaysia. This study adopts qualitative method utilizing doctrinal research, interview, observation. The instruments used is semi structured interview question related to the determined research objectives. In addition, the data was also acquired through doctrinal study. The primary data was collected via a semi structured interview which was conducted via face-to-face with representative of selected informants from JAKIM. The collected data were analysed using thematic analysis to answer question aroused in this study. The finding indicated that exportation of halal meat products must adhere to stringent certification processes provided by the authority. The findings present suggestions for the monitoring agency in formulating plans and policies to strengthen the control over halal meat activities for importation. By addressing challenges such as diverse interpretations and ensuring strict adherence to halal practices.