Southeast Asian neighbors Malaysia and Brunei could be among the primary export destinations of Philippine Halal products, according to Sheikh Salih D. Musa, chair of the Region-12 Halal Fatwa Council in an interview with MindaNews after a weeklong “Halal familiarization visit” in Brunei from August 2 to 10. Musa, an Aleem (Islamic scholar), is also the secretary-general of Philippine Halal Fatwa Council. He went to Brunei with representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture, Department of Science and Technology and the Office of Muslim Affairs. “The team, sent by the government, was joined by a representative from Purefoods Corp., one of the country's top producers of processed meat products,” he said. “I was advised by Dr. Haji Kamaruddin Dato Seri Paduka Haji Talib, | Haji in his name twice(!) and a talib to boot. His beard must be long indeed. |
Country Director of BIMP-EAGA (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Philippines-East Asean Growth Area) Brunei Chapter, to start identifying one company in the Philippines to produce Halal products for export,” Musa said, adding, “he assured me to help in the marketing in his country (Brunei). “Othman Mohamad Yusof, regulatory manager and chairman of Halal committee of Nestle-Malaysia, also promised to help in marketing our product in Malaysia,” he said. “Among the important considerations we tackled was that while there is still no world standard Halal certifying body in the Philippines, Malaysia's JAKIM, could be tapped,” he added. JAKIM (Jabatan Kemahuan Islam Malaysia) or the Department of Islamic Development in Malaysia is the agency authorized to issue Halal certification. It is recognized in Muslim countries.
Musa lamented the Philippine government's failure to fast-track the crafting of guidelines that would regulate Halal-certifying entities in the country. But in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), religious leaders and other stakeholders have approved the halal certification standards that will be observed as it strives to penetrate the $150 billion global market for halal products. Ustadz Mohammad Inju, chair of the Halal Certification Board, said they approved the technical guidelines about a week ago and will start operations by September. The “Technical Guidelines and Manual of Operation of the ARMM Halal Accreditation and Certification Board,” which provides guidance on slaughtering, preparing, processing, handling, packaging, distribution and serving of halal food, was approved by muftis (scholars who interpret Islamic law) and Moro food scientists, chemists and doctors, he said.
Musa said the country is yet to determine which agency will lead a “Halal regulatory body” whose function is to identify “Halal certifying entities.” Musa said he prefers a centralized Halal certifying body. “At present, there are some Halal certifying entities operating, but they lack laboratory equipment, thus they cannot test the presence of Haraam components in food products,” he said.| "We must establish a CSI:General Santos City. Y'never know what those dastardly Jooos have touched!" |
Halal means lawful or permissible. Marking food products with “Halal” seal will inform Muslim consumers that such is free from “Haram” (food forbidden by Islam). Haram foods include alcohol, lard from swine, and any meat derivatives from swine, dog, snake, or canine animals. Islamic doctrine forbids Muslim to eat Haram. Meats from chicken, cattle, buffalo, sheep, and deer are Halal for Muslims to consume. The process of slaughtering such animals should follow Islamic methods wherein they are “killed in the name of Allah.” A couple of years ago, the Office of Muslim Affairs was tasked by the government to issue Halal certification to food companies. However, it was contested by some Ulama (Islamic scholars) who argued that OMA, as a government agency should not get involved in religious matters. The case was brought to court and the judge decided in favor of the Ulama.| He knew what was good for him and his family. The scholars must've come to court with a whole bunch of "nephews." |
Musa and his colleagues were able to meet key personalities from different countries like Australia, United States of America, Thailand, Indonesia, and Canada, who are engaged in Halal certification and production. They were able to visit abattoirs, poultry and meat processing plants strictly operating under Halal standards. “We learned that most Halal producers in the world are non-Muslims. Their products are certified by Ulama and Muslim laboratory technicians or chemists,” Musa said.He added, “At present, there are 1.8 billion Muslims in the world in 150 countries. We should pursue in developing our Halal industry and penetrate the world Halal market which plays up to 200 billion dollars every year.” Musa said increased Halal production would mean jobs for the Moro people. He said he would try his best to attend the “Halal Science Symposium” in Thailand on September 1 and 2 in order to help the government in crafting policies for the development of Halal industry in the country. |