The Halal Journal - Sep/Oct 2007 by The Halal Journal

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| kasehdia.com | www.halaljournal.com | SEPT+OCT 2007

THE SCIENCE OF HALAL

Answers for Industries’ Challenges

CHALLENGES FOR MUSLIM SCIENTISTS • MECHANICAL SLAUGHTER • STUNNING • GENETIC MODIFICATION IS THE HALAL LABEL TRUSTWORTHY UK QUESTIONS STUNNING METHOD UAE : MORE THAN A MARKET HALAL SUPERHIGHWAY

LIVING: HALAL EDUCATION JOURNEY TO SIEM RIEP, CAMBODIA CINNAMON’S DELIGHT GIRLS OF RIYADH MISS UNDASTOOD AFRICA ON DISPLAY

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World Halal Forum 2008 THE P REM IE R GLOB A L HA L A L IN DUS TRY E VE NT

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28}

KNOWLEDGE AND THE SCIENCE OF HALAL

Leading Muslim Scholars and What Challenges Await Them

contents 14} WORLD HALAL FORUM INDUSTRY DIALOGUE JOHANNESBURG

Intense discussions, all for a good cause

32} MECHANICAL SLAUGHTER

Some say its okay, some say its not. What’s the whole deal?

36} STUNNING

The industry is divided over this. Find out why.

38} GENETIC MODIFICATION

It maybe Halal, but is it Tayyib?

42} HALAL SUPERHIGHWAY

Shipping Halal has gone super high tech

44} TRUSTING THE HALAL BRAND

Key research figures indicate more people are trusting Halal

48} FASTRACK AUSTRALASIA

Australians adamant NO stunning is better

52} FASTRACK ASIA

Taiwan keen to be Halal player. But how?

54} FASTRACK ASIA

Hong Kong gets to be a Halal player through tourism

56} FASTRACK AMERICAS

A new Alliance gets confirmation they will be supported by t he government

66} FINANCE

Singapore wants to be Islamic finance hub – Really?

DISCLAIMER : While all care is taken, the publisher accepts no responsibility for the information contained herein which is believed to be reliable. The publisher/editor takes no responsibility for opinions expressed or implied as they are the writers’ own and do not necessarily reflect that of the publisher or editor who make no warranties governing material, including advertising or features contained within this publication. This publication may not in whole or part, be copied, reproduced or translated without prior written permission of the publisher.

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Ed’s Note THE CHALLENGE

“One needs to be sincere in doing their job and not just doing it for the sake of business or profit. Without sincerity, there will be no trust and when there is no trust, there will be no brand.” PROFESSOR DR. FAROUK GAD

Regulars 08} QUIETLY SPOKEN Searching the Answer 08} GLOBAL NEWS A brief insight into events currently shaping the Halal industry around the globe + Calendar of Events + Online Polls and Letter. 60} COUNTRY IN FOCUS UAE – A gateway to GCC

We have to admit – this is by far the hardest copy we had to produce. Not just because of the sheer trials and tribulations we had to face in order to get the stories, but also because of the magnitude and the possible impact these features would have on the future developments of the global Halal market. In our constant pursuit of excellence for the industry, we are urging all parties to forever continue the quest for knowledge and promote a scientific culture amongst us. Taking this one step further, we are featuring three of our own Muslim scientists who have done a lot of work in further researching the Halal arena. After introducing our best brains in the Halal industry, we went on to highlight the three main issues that are most pressing - that demands the attention of scholars, industry players as well as the scientists - to research and agree on a single answer – should Muslims continue using these methods or not. Be it if the chickens were slaughtered using mechanical or hand slaughter, or the beef was stunned prior to being cut and delivered to our plate, or even making sure that the corn, wheat or rice that we eat are not harming the environment around us, all these are valid considerations to ponder before we shove those foods down our throat. Besides that, we also have some juicy news stories for all, like can a population with such “diverse” eating habits can cater to the growing Muslim visitors to their country? Or can a new ambitious plan by Canada gain a solid footing in the global Halal markets? All these answers can be found in the Fastrack section. As we have mentioned earlier, this issue is truly a (hard) labour of love whose time has arrived. Hope you can find benefit from the feature articles presented in the following pages. For more up-to-date reports and analysis, log on to our website at www.halaljournal.com

the Halal Journal team

Living 69} FEATURE COVER Halal education for kids 101

:: T H E H E A R T O F TH E H A L A L J O U R N A L ::

72} JOURNEY Siem Riep: A heaven for travellers

Halal refers to that which the Creator has made lawful. Its opposite, Haram, refers to what is forbidden. These parameters has been designed for health, safety and benefit of all mankind regardless of age, faith or culture.

74} BROWSING A new Halal-certiﬁed kitchen opens in PJ, Miss Unstood in Music Review and Girls of Riyadh

78} SNAPSHOTS Images of recent happenings in the industry

The realm of the Halal extends beyond the obvious references to food and touches all matters that relate to human life. In the commercial arena, all goods and services, markets, transactions, currencies and other activities come under the judgments of Halal and Haram. These parameters include protecting the environment, humane treatment for animals, ethical investment, the intrinsic value of currencies and fairness in all commercial transactions.

80} PARTING WORDS Prof Farouk Gad – Sincerely Brilliant

We believe that the emerging global Halal market will be one of the great market forces in the coming decades.

76} ON DISPLAY We pay tribute to Halal and good stuﬀ found on the shelf in Johannesburg

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Irfan Sungkar Tong Yee Siong Marco Tieman Dina Zaman Anna El-Rashid Farah Natasha Azlan Hazel Hassan Hisham Bart August

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In Search for The Answer

ime and time again, we have stressed the need for Research and Development in the Halal industry. Research in the Halal industry is essential, not only to protect the Halal integrity, but to prove that Halal is indeed clean, safe and healthier. With research, not only will it substantiate those claims but also ensure the industry’s growth and sustainability. There have been notable researches that have helped the industry in terms of contamination and pork detection. But the global Halal market is moving at a very fast pace and so are other industries like the food and biotechnology industry. Therefore new organisms and new discoveries will emerge with all its evolution, spread and new patents which then lead to a whole new multitude of questions on whether its Halal or not. Research and Development to equip Halal to maintain its ability to deal with newly discovered threats like pests or diseases that would pose threats to food, crops, livestock and the industry itself. Active collaboration between scientists, industry players and scholars, will help answer the question of Halal as safer, cleaner and healthier. This without a doubt ensures great benefits for the industry and the consumers, insya-Allah. This will then help elevate Islam and guarantee that Halal is the safer, healthier and cleaner hj choice for all mankind.

COMPILED BY HARIZ KAMAL

Subway already has a successful Halal store in Walthamstow, London, and the company is planning to open seven in Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire in the next few months.

Mark Piet

Quietly Spoken

GlobalNEWS

SUBWAY GOES HALAL

Sandwich chain Subway is to open two Halal-only stores in Manchester. The shops in Cheetham Hill and Levenshulme, expected to open next month, will serve exclusively Halal meat in line with Muslim dietary rules. Subway already has a successful Halal store in Walthamstow, London, and the company is planning to open seven more in Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire in the next few months. The Halal meat will be certified by the Islamic Foundation which ensures that all animals are slaughtered according to strict Muslim methods. This involves slitting the animal’s throat with a sharp knife after praying to Allah. |SOURCE: WWW.MANCHESTEREVENINGNEWS.CO.UK, 6/8/2007

HONG KONG

FIRST HOTEL TO OFFER HALAL IN ALL RESTAURANTS

This summer, InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong will become the first property in the city to offer Halal dishes prepared to traditional recipes alongside its traditional non-Halal menu in its restaurants including Cantonese and Italian. A guest executive sous chef from InterContinental The Regency Bahrain has been specially drafted in to introduce Middle East cuisine to local diners and attract more visitors from the Middle East region to select InterContinental Grand Stanford in July and August. Chef Mohammed Samara - who cooks regularly for the Prime Minister of the Gulf state - will prepare an extensive buffet selection at Café Rendezvous while overseeing the preparation of selected dishes in The Mistral Italian Restaurant and Hoi King Heen Cantonese Restaurant. |SOURCE: AME INFO, 7/8/2007

AL ISLAMI TO ENTER BRITISH MARKET WITH LOCAL PARTNER

UAE-based Al Islami Foods said it is forming a joint venture with a British distributor to tap the $4-billion Halal food market there and later wants to expand to other European countries. Al Islami said its venture with 3663 First For Foodservice, which has $1 billion in annual sales, will initially cater to about two million Muslims in Britain before reaching other European markets. “The joint venture will cater to Muslim communities in the continental Europe,” said the company, which sells frozen chicken and processed food items. Several companies, both European and non-European, are increasingly targeting the lucrative European Halal food market by promoting the “Halal” label on their products and making products that adhere to the prescribed Islamic standards. “We are confident that we will win the trust of growing Muslim communities in international markets as well,” Al Islami Foods chief executive Saleh Abdullah Lootah said. “Health benefits of Halal food have attracted an unprecedented demand for these products across the world, from both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers,” Lootah added. |SOURCE: WWW.GULFNEWS.COM,13/8/2007

THE HALAL JOURNAL

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AUSTRALIA

UNDERTAKE JOINT EFFORTS IN HALAL PRODUCTS

Malaysian and Australian companies were today urged to undertake joint production and distribution of Halal products for the international market. In making the call, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz said the total value of the global Halal market was estimated at A$2.7 trillion (RM7.9 trillion). “In the Halal food sector alone, the market is estimated at A$610 billion (RM1.807 trillion),” she told a seminar on “Business Opportunities in Malaysia” here. Such collaboration was ideal with Australia being a major producer of agro-based products and Malaysia striving to be a hub for the production and distribution of Halal food. Malaysia-Australia collaboration could make use of each other’s strengths to take advantage of Malaysia’s experience and expertise in inspection, monitoring, standardisation and certification of Halal products, Malaysia’s standing among Islamic countries and Australia’s strength in food technology, the minister said.

AFRICA

MALAYSIA-MOZAMBIQUE TRADE TO EXPAND

Trade between Malaysia and Mozambique can be further expanded as there is potential to widen the narrow range of products Malaysia currently supplies to the country, said Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah. “Although the volume of trade is modest, it has increased by more than fivefold over the last five years. In 2001, total trade was valued at US$4.7 million (US$1=RM3.46) and this increased to US$25.6 million in 2006 compared with US$4.7 million in 2001,” he said. Ahmad Husni said Malaysia’s exports to Mozambique increased by 51.4 percent to US$23.8 million in 2006 from a mere US$4.7 million in 2001, while imports expanded by 157.5 percent to US$1.9 million last year. He said Mozambique could also source Halal products from Malaysia not only for its own market but also to supply to neighbouring countries. “Malaysia has strong credentials as an exporter of Halal food. Our certification for Halal food products complies with both the requirements of the Muslim community as well as the international health and safety standards,” he said. |SOURCE: BERNAMA, 13/8/2007

“Malaysia has strong credentials as an exporter of Halal food. Our certification for Halal food products complies with both the requirements of the Muslim community as well as the international health and safety standards,”

Datuk Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah, Malaysian International Trade & Industry

|SOURCE: BERNAMA, 31/7/2007

AMERICAS

KEEPING AN EYE ON HALAL

A Mississauga Islamic association is taking the lead in Canada when it comes to the growing Halal industry. The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) Canada, located on South Sheridan Way, has no official designation from the government to regulate Halal. Regardless, the group is still taking charge. “Nobody gave us a certificate that said we had authority,” said ISNA secretary general Mohammad Ashraf, who oversees the process. “But, there is recognition (and because) our organization is so old, so large, so well-known here and overseas, we have a track record.” For the Maple Lodge Farms’ Halal line, stamped with the blue and green dome logo of the ISNA, officials with the organization ensured the dozen Muslim men working at the company swore an oath on the Qur’an that stated they will use the traditional method of food preparation. Ashraf has led the Halal certification process with ISNA since 1988. To receive the stamp, officials with the ISNA will audit every detail of an organization’s Halal production such as making sure all the ingredients are Halal, on-site plant inspections and ensuring if animals are slaughtered, it is done properly. |SOURCE: WWW.MISSISSAUGANEWS.COM, 23/7/07

PHILIPPINES

HALAL BOARD DONE WITH CERTIFICATION GUIDELINES

“The Philippine guidelines for Halal certification, is already done. But the technical working group now, composed of national government agencies like the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) and DA (Department of Agriculture), review the guidelines,” said MMHCB managing director Ustadz Esmael Ebrahim. Ebrahim added that the guidelines are reviewed in connection with the President’s Executive Order No. 201 stating that the guidelines for Halal certification shall be reviewed by the members of the technical working group. “We put the guidelines in generic terms and in general form, the agencies which are also members of the technical working group will only have to add their respective rules for the guidelines,” Ebrahim said. He said since the Supreme Court has come up with a ruling that the government cannot issue the certification since Halal is a religious matter, the technical working group conducts an ongoing national consultations for Moro leaders in the country to adopt the guidelines. “We already conducted three consultations. We’re done in Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro, and in General Santos and Moro leaders in these areas have positive response, in fact, pumirma sila ng agreement to adopt the guidelines,” Ebrahim said. He added that the guidelines are applicable anywhere in Muslim areas in the world. Ebrahim said Philippine Halal products can compete with other countries, but added this can be possible if the country will have its own standard, a credible certification board, and collaborative efforts between the government and the stakeholders. |SOURCE: WWW.SUNSTAR.COM.PH, 17/8/2007

WHAT IS MUSHBOOH? : Halal is clear and Haram is clear; in between these two are certain things that are suspected or ‘Mushbooh’ . Mushbooh (suspected) item could come from a Haram source, which must be avoided by Muslims. | The Halal Journal InfoEdu THE HALAL JOURNAL

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GlobalNEWS BRUNEI

REFERENCE FOR HALAL SEAL

Makers of Halal products can look forward to the release of the government’s official reference for Halal certification this week, the deputy minister at the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources yesterday said. The reference should aid local companies in achieving the coveted Halal certification for their products, Dato Paduka Hamdillah Hj Abdul Wahab said at the dinner reception for exhibitors of the 2nd International Halal Product Expo (IHPE). In his speech, he encouraged foreign businessmen to explore the “vast opportunities of the global Halal market” by partnering with Brunei companies. The quality of established foreign companies, backed by Brunei’s strong Islamic credentials, will indeed bring firm value to such partnerships, he said. IHPE organisers will arrange business matching sessions throughout the three-day event. These are expected to serve as a platform for local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to develop business partnerships with foreign manufacturers and traders. “I also believe that this initiative will open many doors for our local SMEs, especially those in the food sector, to grow and succeed. Our SMEs can certainly use Brunei Halal as part of their branding exercise to penetrate (the) global Halal market,” Dato Hamdillah said, noting that more and more foreign firms have asked the government about signing up for the Brunei Halal initiative. |SOURCE: THE BRUNEI TIMES, 16/8/2007

“I also believe that this initiative will open many doors for our local SMEs, especially those in the food sector, to grow and succeed. Our SMEs can certainly use Brunei Halal as part of their branding exercise to penetrate (the) global Halal market,”

Dato Paduka Hamdillah Hj Abdul Wahab, Brunei Ministry of Industry & Primary Resources

BRUNEI

BRUNEI AN IMPORTANT MARKET FOR NESTLE

SINGAPORE

SINGAPORE LAUNCHES FOOD INNOVATION CENTRE

In line with the government’s policy to make the city-state a “vital food hub for the global market”, Singapore has recently launched a Food Innovation and Resource Centre (FIRC). The centre is aimed to provide local and regional food processors the means to compete within the global food industry, through innovation and creative product development, such as developing products that are better suited to consumer demands and tastes. At the launching, Singapore Minister of Trade, Lee Yi Shayn, said, “In the past, Singapore food companies stood out among other competitors for their quality and lower cost of production. However, the situation is fast changing as other companies are able to offer similar products at the same quality and perhaps at a lower cost.” He also urged Singapore’s food companies to tap in the FIRC’s expertise to adopt new technologies. He added, “These companies can commercialise their innovations quickly and stay ahead in the global market”. Shayn targets the FIRC to implement 275 research and innovation schemes within the next five years. |SOURCE: HALALJOURNAL.COM, 9/8/2007

CHINA

AFTER HALAL, CHINESE FOOD INDUSTRY NOW RUSHING FOR KOSHER

With 1.6 billion Muslims worldwide, Swiss Multinational, Nestle, is doing well in the global Halal marketplace while continuing its long-standing image in producing innovative, healthy and nutrition products. Nestle (Malaysia) Berhad Managing Director, Mr Sullivan O’Carroll, said that Brunei is an important market for Nestle. Nestle’s oversees market in Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore and also exports its products to more than 40 countries worldwide with sales of RM$500 million. It also imports Halal products from 66 Nestle factories worldwide, which are certified Halal. “Halal is extremely important for Nestle. We were the first few companies in Malaysia 70 odd years ago and became successful quickly in the region when we created a policy that our products manufactured in Malaysia and Singapore have to comply with the Halal standards,” said O’Carroll. He assured that that Nestle products are manufactured, imported and distributed under the strictest hygienic and sanitary conditions. The products sold in Brunei are also recognised by the relevant body here. O’ Caroll also highlighted the importance of Nestle as a product and rounded up the developments in Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore. According to Ganesan R Ampalavanar, Nestle remains the biggest food manufacturer in Brunei today and is being placed as one of the entrusted brands in the country. Nestle has been working closely with the government and private sector in an effort to promote a healthy nation. O’Carroll also expressed his delight with the current developments in Brunei. He is excited about the overwhelming response from customers.

As with the case of the rising demand for Halal food products around the world, demand increase for kosher food has prompted a rush for kosher certification by Chinese food companies to penetrate the large US food segment. For example, imported frozen fish from Alaska and a few other sources are being inspected for kosher certification, before Chinese processors exports them to the US market. According to a recent report from Integrated Marketing Communications, a New-York based niche consulting company for the kosher industry, the estimated market size of kosher food in the US is expected to reach US$200 billion in 2005. The New York-based Orthodox Union (OU), which own and manage some of the world’s biggest kosher trademarks, is planning to double the existing 300 kosher-certified food processing plants in China within the next year. It has been reported that every month, OU receives between 30 and 40 new applications from food processing plants across the Chinese mainland.

|SOURCE: WWW.BRUDIRECT.COM, 16/08/2007

|SOURCE: HALALJOURNAL.COM, 8/8/2007

10 THE HALAL JOURNAL

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OnlinePOLL

IS HALAL LOGISTICS IMPORTANT TO ENSURE INTEGRITY IN THE SUPPLY CHAIN?

NO 60.59%

YES 39.41%

DO YOU FEEL THAT MALAYSIA HAS THE CREDIBILITY TO BECOME THE HUB FOR INTERNATIONAL HALAL CERTIFICATION?

YES 42.42%

NO 57.58%

“Outside China and India, ASEAN, with a population of 600 million, is the fastestgrowing region in the world. Therefore, we should work together as a region and not as an individual country,” Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya, Malaysia Finance Ministry Parliamentary Secretary

SOURCE: WWW.HALALJOURNAL.COM

THE HALAL JOURNAL

AUSTRALIA

CATERER CAUGHT AFTER LABELLING BACON HALAL

The Olympic Council of Malaysia will ensure Halal food is made available for Muslim athletes and officials attending the 24th SEA Games in Thailand in December. Malaysia’s Chef-de-Mission to the Games, Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad, said that of the three venues for the Games, only Korat was likely to be a problem in regard to the matter as very few Muslims lived there. The issue would be brought up at the next meeting of the team managers to Games in September to discuss how best to solve the problem, he told reporters after chairing the first meeting of the managers at Wisma OCM here today.

A catering company has apologised to Muslim university students after trying to sell them “Halal bacon and egg rolls”. University of Western Sydney students had been suspicious for months about the authenticity of food labelled “Halal” at campus canteens. Their concerns were unexpectedly proved correct when in-house catering company UWSConnect offered “Halal bacon and egg rolls” at the Bankstown campus. “It’s unforgivable.” Mr Geange attributed the gaffe to a “human labelling error” at UWSConnect’s Bankstown premises. He insisted all products marked halal came from suppliers who claimed to be Halal-friendly. But according to the university’s Muslim Students Association (MSA), students had long suspected the products were being falsely labelled Halal. “UWSConnect seems to believe it can label food Halal, without first obtaining Halal certification from an accredited Muslim Halal certifier,” it said in an online statement. “UWS MSA presidents have patiently insisted that Muslims can accept Halal labelling only after accreditation from a recognised Muslim Halal certifier. “The recent Halal egg and bacon rolls fiasco is proof of this.” AFIC Halal services general manager Mohammed Rahman said the false labelling of food as Halal was “much more widespread than people might think”.

|SOURCE: BERNAMA, 11/08/07

|SOURCE: WWW.NEWS.COM.AU, 20/08/07

ASEAN

ASEAN COUNTRIES NEED TO WORK AS ONE

Members of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) need to work as one and capitalise on each other’s strengths in certain sectors to produce value-added products for export, said Finance Ministry Parliamentary Secretary Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya. “Outside China and India, ASEAN, with a population of 600 million, is the fastest-growing region in the world. Therefore, we should work together as a region and not as an individual country,” he said. “We must have economies of scale, if we work alone, we will suffer due to high cost,” he said Hilmi said each ASEAN country has its own expertise. “Thailand is good in agriculture and Malaysia’s Halal products are well accepted in West Asia. “So why can’t Malaysia and Thailand work together, and in that way, both countries can gain from the Halal trade in the West Asia as well as in Western countries,” he said. |SOURCE: BERNAMA, 07/08/07

ASEAN

OCM WILL ENSURE HALAL FOOD WILL BE AVAILABLE DURING SEA GAMES

THE HALAL JOURNAL 11

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GlobalNEWS AUSTRALIA

HALAL ABATTOIR POSSIBLE FOR FORBES

A Middle Eastern business is expected to visit Forbes in the next fortnight to consider establishing a Halal abattoir in the central western New South Wales town. A Forbes’ councillor, Ron Penny, says plans for a new, expansive saleyards in the town are a key factor in attracting the interest of the overseas business. “They were looking to locate into an area where there was a known quality and quantity of stock,” he said. “They’re looking to buy beef, mutton and lamb and so being a major selling centre, I suppose that, to them, was a major attraction towards Forbes.” He says a new abattoir would provide a much-needed boost to the local economy. “Oh huge, because to get an abattoir built and operating back in the Forbes district would mean the creation of probably 300 jobs,” he said. “To have 300 permanent jobs in addition to what’s going on here now would be outstanding.” |SOURCE: ABC ONLINE, AUSTRALIA, 14/08/07

“They’re looking to buy beef, mutton and lamb and so being a major selling centre, I suppose that, to them, was a major attraction towards Forbes.” Ron Penny, Forbes’ councillor MALAYSIA

HALAL MASTERPLAN’S FIRST DRAFT READY BY YEAR-END

Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC) expects to complete by year-end the first draft of the master plan to rebrand Malaysia’s Halal label, a move towards establishing the country as a global Halal hub. HDC has been tasked to come up with the master plan on how the Halal label will be reintroduced locally and internationally as a guarantee that a product has passed not only religious requirements but also that it is of high quality and safe. HDC chief executive officer Datuk Jamil Bidin said it would cost about RM3.5 million to RM4 million to draft the master plan. We need to gather feedback from the industry players as the success of the project depends their participation, he said. Jamil said a dialogue with industry players such Tesco, Nestle, Unilever and Carrefour was needed before a wish-list could be formed to decide on the appropriate incentives. He said the plan would also target the SMEs and help Malaysians understand how lucrative the Halal industry could be. We need to take a very serious look at what strengths we have in Malaysia as the hub will be built based on those strengths, he added. A potential threat to turning the country into a hub is the red tape that threatens to bog down progress and frustrated customers might turn to other countries for Halal certification. Jamil pointed out that instead of being competitors, Malaysia could work with its neighbouring countries. For example, Malaysia could provide value-added service to merchandise sold by providing the Halal certification. ”I believe that the Halal certification industry would explode” Jamil said, linking it to the preference for organically grown produce, which appealed to the health-conscious. |SOURCE: THE EDGE, 09/08/07

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MALAYSIA

NEW PROCESSING PLANT OF KFC HOLDINGS (MALAYSIA) BHD IN JOHOR

KFC Holding (Malaysia) Berhad Chairman Tan Sri Muhammad Ali Hashim revealed that the company plans to expand its operation in the southern Malaysian peninsula by investing about RM25 million for their third chicken slaughter and processing plant in Johor. The decision was made following the recent bird flu scare in Singapore, which made the supply of chicken meat from Johor more preferable by the AVA Singapore as compared to chicken meat supplied from northern peninsula Malaysia. KFC Holding has obtained the approval to sell nine-pieces of cut chicken - a standard KFC cut of chicken meat - to Singapore, in addition to several value-added chickenmeat products. Malaysia is the single largest supplier of live chicken to Singapore. Several Malaysian poultry integrators also owned slaughterhouses or chickens processing plants in Singapore. In addition to live chickens, Malaysia also exports a small quantity of chicken meat to the city-state. Brazil remains Singapore’s largest suppliers of chicken meat, exporting around 75,000 MT of chicken meat in 2006, consisting mainly frozen whole chickens. |SOURCE: HALALJOURNAL.COM, 10/8/2007

UAE

ETIHAD AIRWAYS WINS TOP AWARD

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has been credited with having the best economy class food worldwide, according to a new survey. The airline’s in-flight catering has been recognised for its new monthly menus on short and long haul routes. Passengers are now offered a choice between three meals, including a vegetarian and a Halal option. “Our customers regularly tell us how important in-flight dining is to them, which is why we strive to offer as wide a choice as possible, and our meals are always freshly prepared,” said Peter Baumgartner, executive vice president marketing and product, Etihad Airways. |SOURCE: WWW.ARABIANBUSINESS.COM, 15/08/07

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Calendar of events

SWITZERLAND

ARAB FAST FOOD RESTAURANTS ON THE RISE

A remarkable and visible increase in Arab fast food restaurants has surfaced in the past two years in Geneva. The majority of this expansion took place in the heart of the city, with so many Arab fast food restaurants in an area neighbouring the Geneva train station. Meanwhile a new one has opened its doors a month ago not far away from the United Nations. Most of the Arab fast food restaurants present its customers with purely Arab cuisine, others have a mix of many plates, but still the base is Arab. The main reason for dwelling at those restaurants is that they present the customer with Halal meat, which is meat slaughtered in accordance with Islamic practice The real winner from this expansion is the Arab tourist, the Muslim community and students. This is exhibited in the demand, during the summer Arab celebrities from the Gulf region order between 40 and 60 sandwiches daily which makes the business quite lucrative during July and August. |SOURCE: KUWAIT TIMES, 20/08/07

“I will initiate a review into the science as well as the standard under which abattoirs operate for Halal killing, or ritual slaughter,”

Peter McGauran, Australia Federal Agriculture Minister Peter

AUSTRALIA

RELIGIOUS SLAUGHTER TO FACE COMMONWEALTH REVIEW

The Federal Government says it will review slaughter practices at abattoirs across Australia. The move came after the RSPCA and Animals Australia raised concerns about the legality of Halal and kosher slaughters at the Midfields Meats abattoir in Warrnambool in western Victoria. The slaughter, which is conducted according to Islamic and Jewish religious teachings, allows the animals to bleed to death. The Federal Agriculture Minister Peter McGauran believes Midfield’s practices are lawful. “I will initiate a review into the science as well as the standard under which abattoirs operate for Halal killing, or ritual slaughter,” he said. “We’ll look at whether or not the science proves or establishes that it’s a cruel and inhumane practice, and whether or not the standard overseeing abattoirs should be changed.” Mr McGauran says he does not have the power to stop the practice while the review is being done. |SOURCE: ABC NEWS, 03/08/07 BRUNEI

RED TAPES STALLING HALAL DEVELOPMENT

Cut red tape that is stalling the progress of the country’s Halal industry, a former education minister said. “In business, time is money and we have to speed things up,” former Minister of Education Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Wijaya Dato Seri Setia Hj Awg Abdul Aziz Begawan Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Seri Paduka Hj Awg Umar (!) said when asked what were needed to expedite the country’s ambition of realising its potential as a major player in the global Halal market. “Everything must be well defined. Delegate the powers. We need an established system so we can be a one-stop agency,” he said, referring to issues concerning efforts to set up mechanisms that will help foreign traders work hand in hand with local manufacturers and traders and government regulators and certifying agencies. He added that Brunei Darussalam’s potential in making a mark in the Halal products sector is “unlimited”. Meanwhile, developing and implementing a successful programme within the Halal industry is easier said than done, according to an industry expert. This entails taking into account various factors, such as market, legal issues, Syariah (Islamic law) issues among others, said Hajj Abdalhamid David Evans, a senior analyst at Imarat Consultants. He recommended that people view the Halal sector in a new light. “Halal is the new green,” he said, referring to the environment-conscious movement of the early 90s that gained recognition as a serious global issue. He said the issue of Halal is also moving into the mainstream and changing how businesses are being done. |SOURCE: THE BRUNEI TIMES, 18/08/0

16-19 AUGUST 2007 HALAL PRODUCTS EXPO Int’l Convention Centre Berakas Brunei Darussalam Tel: +673 245 3666 Fax: +673 245 377 Email: sales@bruneihalalexpo.com www.bruneihalalexpo.com 21-23 AUGUST 2007 10TH ASEAN FOOD CONFERENCE 2007 Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia MARDI Headquarters Tel: +603 8943 7041 Fax: +603 8941 3512 Email: afcregistration@mardi.my www.mardi.my/afc2007 22-25 AUGUST 2007 FOOD & HOTEL MALAYSIA Food, Drinks, Hotel, Restaurant & Foodservice Equipment Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Malaysian Exhibition Services Tel: +603 4041 0311 Fax: +603 4043 7241 Email: enquiry@mesallworld.com www.foodandhotel.com 26-30 AUGUST 2007 MPOB INTERNATIONAL PALM OIL CONGRESS 2007 (PIPOC 2007) Kuala Lumpur Convention, Malaysia Malaysian Palm Oil Board Tel : +603-8926 7046/ 8769 4873/ 8769 4867 Fax : +603-8925 7549/ 8926 1202 E-mail : pipocregistration@mpob.gov.my 29-30 AUGUST 2007 INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON TAKAFUL & RETAFAKUL ( ICTR 2007 ) International Convention, Forum and Conference Nikko Hotel, Jln Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Islamic Banking and Finance Institute Malaysia Tel : +603 20311010 Fax : +603 20269988 Email: shuib@ibfim.com www.ibfim.com/ictr2007/ 7-9 SEPTEMBER 2007 WORLD OF MUSLIM BANGKOK Impact Exhibition Center Expolink Global Network Ltd. Tel : +6626408013 Fax : +6626642076 Email: pansa@expolink.net www.worldofmuslim.com 13-17 OCTOBER 2007 ANUGA Food & Beverage Trade Fair Cologne, Germany Koelnmesse GmbH Tel: +49(0)221/821-3895 Fax: +49(0)221/821-3410 www.anuga.com 19-22 NOVEMBER 2007 KUALA LUMPUR ISLAMIC FINANCE FORUM ( KLIFF 2007 ) International Islamic Finance Forum and Conference Nikko Hotel, Jln Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel : +603 41081493 Fax : +603 41061549 Email: kliff2007@cert.com.my www.cert.com.my 9-11 DECEMBER 2007 WORLD HALAL EXPO Food production, Food Manufacture, Garments and Lifestyle products Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre Abu Dhabi, UAE IIR Middle East Tel: +009714 336 5161 ext 234 Fax: +009714 336 5886 Email: halal@iirme.com www.halalworldexpo.com

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event highlights

HALAL ON THE MOVE IN AFRICA

Designed to create an understanding of diﬀerent areas within the Halal industry and get to the heart of issues faced by stakeholders, the World Halal Forum-Industry Dialogue bandwagon recently made a stop in Johannesburg, South Africa on 17 July 2007.

eld in conjunction with Africa’s Big Seven trade show and the 2nd National Halaal Conference organised by the South African National Halaal Authority (SANHA), it was certainly a fruitful day for the delegates as well as the organisers. With insightful presentations and networking opportunities, the half-day moderated dialogue was certainly filled with passionate yet well-intentioned deliberations by key individuals within relevant areas of interest. Several speakers took the rostrum, beginning with Sheikh Ebrahim Essop, Chairman of SANHA who reaffirmed their commitment to help Malaysia in further developing the global Halal industry. He also urged all parties to seek guidance from Allah swt to work together in efforts to harmonise the industry for the sake of the Muslim population. A representative of the manufacturing industry, Kneale Harris from Flavour Craft South Africa then highlighted the finer details of his industry and the work involved in making sure all their products are Halal-compliant. Darhim Dali Hashim from Malaysia’s Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC) further took the opportunity to drive home key points abut the newly created corporation entrusted to realise the vision of making Malaysia a global Halal hub. Darhim also reaffirms Malaysia’s commitment to help harmonise the global industry and highlighted that the best platform towards resolving conflicts and addressing concerns within the industry is actually the World Halal Forum, held in May every year, one which HDC is hosting. Next up was another representative of SANHA, Sheikh Navlakhi, the theological director of one of South Africa’s largest Halal certification bodies. A surprise visit from Madam Hester Obisi, Director of Department of Trade and Industry, South Africa was one of the many highlights of the day. She expressed gratitude that Malaysia is taking bold steps in further championing the cause of Halal internationally and also reaffirms the South African government’s support to develop the local Halal industry. Another industry representative then

Although the maximum attendance was capped at fifty based on a first-come basis, the dialogue commanded a healthy attendance with the room filled to the brim almost throughout the entire session took the rostrum after a short coffee break. Paul Appleton, marketing manager – international franchise of Nando’s Chickenland delivered his company’s commitment in Halal. Using examples of their witty commercials, Paul managed to highlight that by relying on just having a Halal logo on the packaging is not enough anymore, especially in today’s highly informed society. Irfan Sungkar of KasehDia also delivered a presentation on the opportunities within the different regional Halal markets around the world. The floor was then opened for questions and the dialogue session quickly got underway. With the floor well represented by industry leaders, policy makers in many government sectors as well as representatives from Indonesia, New Zealand, The Netherlands, Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, Brazil and Tanzania, many useful knowledge was derived from the dialogue in further understanding of the issues in South Africa and charting the way forward. Although the maximum attendance was capped at fifty based on a first-come basis, the dialogue commanded a healthy attendance with the

room filled to the brim almost throughout the entire session. Several dignitaries were also present, including Mr Asa Silalahi, Minister Counsellor of the Indonesia Embassy in South Africa, Abdul Wahab Wookay, CEO of the National Halaal Independent Trust (NIHT), Abdul Qayyoem, President of the Halal Feed and Food Inspection Authority from the Netherlands, Harold Manamela, assistant director of the Department of Trade and Nizam Kassim, deputy trade commissioner of MATRADE. South Africa, also known as the “rainbow nation” due to its diverse population, has also been actively hosting events focusing on Halal as a viable business concept. With a Muslim population of approximately one million, South Africa is playing a major role in developing the regional Halal industry in Africa and is constantly seen as the gateway to the immense African market. With close to 500 million Muslims in the whole of Africa, the WHF Industry Dialogue in Johannesburg provided a healthy sign that key industry players are actively looking for ways to harmonise, and once this materialise, Halal is seriously going to take off in hj Africa, in a really big way.

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event highlights

WHAT: AFRICA’S BIG SEVEN HALAAL WORLD WHEN: 15 – 17 JULY, 2007 WHERE: GALLAGHER ESTATE, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

PUTTING HALAL AFRICA ONTO THE GLOBAL MAP Africa’s Big Seven is the only event of its kind in Africa. It is rapidly developing into a continental clearing house where fresh and processed foods are displayed for export, specialty foods and beverages are marketed to Africa’s importers, wholesalers and retailers and manufacturing processing and packaging technologies are traded internationally. Africa’s Big Seven, the seven-in-one showcase for the retail, food and FMCG (fast moving consumer goods) co-hosted the Agribusiness Africa exhibition and conference, as well as Halaal World and the 2nd international Halaal conference, in conjunction with the South African National Halaal Authority. There was an increase of 32% in number of exhibiting companies compared to last year, the event hosted 6,731 registered visitors with

international visitors coming from 40 countries, notably from France, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, New Zealand and Turkey. Of the registered delegates, 33% were manufacturers, 14% were wholesalers and 10% represented distributors or agents. 12% of the visitors were independent retailers and 11% came from retail chains. 7% represented the convenience retail sector and 11% were importers. In addition, 30.74% of the visitors had a special interest in Halal.

Visitors of the Africa’s Big Seven were also treated to a range of bakery ingredients, including toppings, fillings, confectionary mixes, dough softeners and ice cream mixes, while exhibitors from India showcased fruit juices, cooking pastes, sauces, fruit and vegetables. Apart from that, there were also a variety of food packaging items, including containers, baking moulds and sheets, foil and film, bags and food wrapping and designer snack food pack to ensure a fulfilling outing for the Africa’s Big Seven event. hj

WHAT: WORLD HALAL FORUM INDUSTRY DIALOGUE, CHINA WHEN: 18 AUGUST, 2007 WHERE: NING XIA AUTONOMOUS REGION, CHINA

CHINA INDUSTRY DIALOGUE WELL RECEIVED The inaugural World Halal Forum Industry Dialogue in Ning Xia autonomous region in China was well received with over a 150 attendants from both China and Malaysia for the half-day session. The Malaysian delegate, comprising of key people from the Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC), took this opportunity to address issues and concerns relating to the smooth running collaborations with their Chinese counterparts. Among the members of the Malaysian delegate includes Dato’ Jamil Bidin, CEO of HDC, Darhim Dali Hashim, HDC’s director of capacity building and Zanalli Hashim from the Malaysia International Halal Showcase, MIHAS. Their Chinese counterparts included Oi Tongsheng, member of the Party Standing Committee, vice governor and director of the organising committee on Investment & Trade Fair; Mdm Hong Meixiang, chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) of Yinchuan; Mr Hei Zhihu, deputy secretary general of the People’s Government of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region; Wang Yongliang from the Division

Ethnic History Editorial Office, Ningxia People’s Press and Zhang Hong’en, chairman of the board of Ningxia Jinfulai Mutton Industry Co. Ltd. Malaysia and China have been working on building trade relations together in the Halal industry to benefit from each other’s progressing economies. Held in conjunction with the dialogue was the 2nd China Ning Xia International Festival for Halal Food / Muslim Commodities, Investment and Trade Fair. Along with numerous Chinese companies, the fair was also participated by representatives from Thailand, Bosnia Herzegovina, as well as a strong Malaysian delegation including CIMB, Halal Gel, Karts Food and many more. hj

NING XIA CHINA MALAYSIA AND CHINA HAVE BEEN WORKING ON BUILDING TRADE RELATIONS TOGETHER IN THE HALAL INDUSTRY TO BENEFIT FROM EACH OTHER’S PROGRESSING ECONOMIES.

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Travel

event highlights

with a Personal Touch

2nd Season Halal Journal TV BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND

The second season of the popular Halal Journal TV is now back on the airwaves every Thursday, 7.30 pm on one of Malaysia’s leading terrestrial television station, ntv7. The half-hour new series highlights the Halal concept not only in the business perspective but also in everyday life, summing up the wide reach of Halal in multiple sectors of business and levels of society. Viewers can expect lively and intelligent discussions with business leaders, scientists, and industry experts, to know about products and services that are for the Muslim market or are based on Islamic concepts. Commenting on the overall aim of Halal Journal TV, the show’s executive producer and KasehDia managing director Jumaatun Azmi explains, “The main objective of the series is to quell some of the public’s misconceptions of Halal - both Muslims and non Muslims - that Halal is only confined to slaughtered meat. The reality is that it encompasses almost everything in life.” The Halal Journal TV also highlights the successful amalgamation of Halal within not just food but also into fashion, corporate philosophy, travel, education, agriculture, pharmaceutical, entertainment, banking and finance, all laid out in an easy and upbeat style. “We plan to increase the public’s awareness on the dynamic concept of Halal. Halal means permissible, and it can be applied to various

aspects of life covering business, ethics, cleanliness, hygiene and standards. It is also about a choice lifestyle,” Jumaatun added. Nordin Abdullah, executive producer of the show added, “The Halal Journal TV represents a new medium that can reach the consumers of Halal products. It is an exciting new platform which can be utilised by both manufacturers and businesses alike.” A total of 13 episodes will be aired every Thursday, 7.30pm on ntv7 beginning August 2, 2007. Among the episodes slated to be on air include Halal in Science and Technology, Halal Value Supply Chain – From Farm to Fork, SMEs and the Global Halal Market, Islamic Banking and Finance, Halal on the Road as well as an episode on the Halal Industry Development Corporation. Besides featuring key Halal industry players, the half-hour programme will also be packed with facts and figures, industry statistics as well as a segment featuring Halal restaurants around Kuala Lumpur. For more info on the programme’s listing or to order a DVD copy of the show’s first season, please log hj on to www.halaljournal.tv

Official Travel Agent WORLD HALAL FORUM 2007 For details contact:

I N D A L U C I A T O U R S & T RAVEL SDN BHD ( K K K P N o . 2 4 7 7 ) ( C o . N o . 10 6 0 1 3 - M )

Ground Floor, Wisma Ismaz u r i No. 38, Jalan 4/76C, Desa Pa n d a n 55100 Kuala Lumpur, MALAY S I A t : +6 03 9287 9688 f: +6 03 9282 3188 e: inda2477@streamyx.com hj

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WHAT: FOOD TAIPEI, FOODTECH TAIPEI & TAIPEI PACK 2007 WHEN: 21 – 24 JUNE 2007 WHERE: TAIPEI WORLD TRADE CENTER, TAIWAN

IMMENSE SUCCESS IN EVERY ASPECT FOR FOOD TAIPEI The recently concluded Food Taipei 2007, Foodtech Taipei 2007 and Taipei Pack 2007 at the Taipei World Trade Centre (TWTC) was a success in every aspect - from number of exhibitors to visitors attendance to the successful profiling of upstream and downstream industry players - and everything in between. Featuring a fascinating trio of great foodrelated shows, Foodtech Taipei 2007 was organised by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), which ended on June 24. Visitors’ attendance soared - even with a restricted admission, 40,000 visitors came up, both local and abroad, with 2,800 international buyers present. These three side-to-side events perfectly profiled the industry from upstream to downstream. International buyers from every corner of the world were pleasantly surprised at the plurality and international character of the exhibition. They were offered with the latest R&D and

quality manufactured Taiwanese food machinery and packaging industries. Food Taipei 2007 also set a new record in joining 615 domestic and international exhibitors who used 1,583 booths. Food Taipei was held alongside Foodtech Taipei and Taipei Pack to offer buyers every perspective on food and its related industries. The three shows facilitated vertical and horizontal integration and enabled international buyers and investors to thoroughly grasp everything from the upstream manufacturing process and machinery to the downstream packaging and products. Foodtech Taipei 2007 attracted large domestic food

machinery manufacturers whereas Taipei Pack 2007 gathered equally important manufacturers. With a total of 126 domestic and international exhibitors and 365 booths, the scale increased by 14.6% and 20.1% respectively from previous sessions. Apart from the event, TAITRA and co-organisers planned seven seminars and forums, highlighting the different areas of concern within the global food industry. The events have proved to be a success, with the exhibition and trade, the seminars, forums and meetings have brought the most updated information and creating substantial business opportunities for all involved. hj

WHAT: MALAYSIAN INTERNATIONAL FOOD & BEVERAGE TRADE FAIR (MIFB 2007) WHEN: 12 – 14 JULY, 2007 WHERE: MATRADE EXHIBITION & CONVENTION CENTRE, MALAYSIA

SUCCESSFUL INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS AT MIFB 2007 The Malaysian International Food and Beverage Trade Fair 2007 (MIFB 2007) recently completed its eighth showcase which had reportedly transacted over RM80 million worth of sales among its exhibitors. The event, which focuses on food and beverage (F&B) products and services, was held from 12 – 14 July 2007 at the MATRADE Exhibition and Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Attracting quality F&B trade players from 36 countries, the three-day annual trade fair jointly organised by Kumpulan Utusan and Expomal International, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry, had achieved another year of success in creating a truly comprehensive trade platform consisting of dynamic F&B showcases, trade opportunities, knowledge acquisition, experience sharing and demonstrations of exotic

cuisines by award winning chefs for the F&B industry. Officiated by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Seri Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi, the MIFB 2007 trade fair was also graced by leaders of the industry, including Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Minister of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry who delivered his business keynote address at the 3rd Malaysia International Agro-Bio Business Conference 2007 and Ng Lip Yong, Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry, who delivered a keynote address on behalf of Dato’ Seri Rafidah Aziz,

Minister of International Trade and Industry. Garnered by a strong thrust by the government in developing and moving the agriculture and agrobased industry up the value chain, MIFB 2007 showcased 350 booths of premier F&B products and suppliers. With the theme “A MultiBillion Marketplace, Come Celebrate With Us”, the expo was also held in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2007 celebrating the golden anniversary of Malaysia’s national independence.

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Photo by Alex Hilton

event highlights

STRENGTHENING BRUNEI’S COMMITMENT IN HALAL The State of Brunei Darussalam is sending a clear message to the international Halal community - they really do mean business. With the successful staging of the second International Halal Products Expo (IHPE), Brunei is seen as reasserting its commitment to provide opportunities within the regional Halal industry and strengthening its involvement within the global Halal market. Organised by the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources with a theme “Providing Quality Halal Products to the World’, the expo, which was held from 15-19 August 2007, provided a good look at what the once powerful Malay sultanate had to offer to the world. Held in conjunction with the trade expo was a two-day seminar, organised with the main objectives of becoming a strong platform for local and international industry players and government agencies to share views, knowledge, expertise and experiences on managing and profiting from the lucrative Halal industry. It gathered around 350 participants from international arenas, local and international exhibitors and various local industries dealing with different aspects of Halal applications. The seminar was well attended by almost the entire Halal value chain - from food producers to transportation providers, to storage facilities, logistics, manufacturers and retailers as well as government agencies. The state also took this opportunity to highlight the Brunei Premium Halal Brand and provided detail insights on how it could act as a means to assist local industry groups to penetrate their products into the international market. Speakers were also well represented. Aside from representatives from the government of Brunei, speakers from Australia, Singapore, United Kingdom, Malaysia and Canada gave their presentations and signified their role

within the Halal industry. With numerous misconceptions on the Halal concept and its practices, the seminar kicked off with presentations giving an insight to better understand the global Halal market. The next core issue presented was on Halal products and its opportunities and challenges. With topics like the Brunei’s Premium Halal Brand, Halal opportunities in Brunei as well as Market Potentials in the Middle East and European Countries were discussed meticulously. The session highlighted on how lucrative the Halal industry really is. With opportunities they will always be challenges. One of the many challenges the Halal industry is facing today is the issue of Halal certification and accreditation. That been said, the topics deliberated on the certification and accreditation session include ensuring credibility of Halal conformity assessment bodies, the Halal certification standards of ISNA (or the Islamic Society of North America) as well as challenges in developing global Halal accreditation and preserving Halal integrity. Other important subaspects of the Halal industry

were also discussed, such as Halal Science and logistics. A notable presentation by Dr Abd Elaziem Farouk Gad indicates the importance of protecting the Halal integrity. His presentation which was entitled “Holistic Molecular Based Detection Approach for Haram Ingredients Food and Safety Assurance” proved that science and innovation is important in ensure the industry’s

The state also took this opportunity to highlight the Brunei Premium Halal Brand and provided detail insights on how it could act as a means to assist local industry groups to penetrate their products into the international market. growth and sustainability. Along with Muslim population growth and cross-over market, Halal products are crossing borders everywhere now, further highlighting the significance of Halal logistics. There is a need for an effective Halal supply chain to ensure there are no Halal contaminations during the transportation process. With that, Ir. Marco Tieman presented an informative snapshot of the Halal logistics scenario. It is likely that this seminar will able to assist all related industries and groups to strengthen their involvements in the global Halal market whilst supporting excellence and innovation for future development of the industry. hj

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event highlights

WHAT: HALAL WORLD EXPO WHEN: 9 – 11 DECEMBER, 2007 WHERE: ABU DHABI NATIONAL EXHIBITION CENTRE, ABU DHABI, UAE

MAJOR NEW EVENT SHOWCASES US$2.1 TRILLION HALAL INDUSTRY A major new event held in Abu Dhabi, UAE later this year will spotlight the booming Halal market at a time when global estimates find the industry worth an estimated US $2.1 trillion a year and growing at US$500 billion annually due to an ever-increasing Muslim population. Halal World Expo, the most comprehensive Middle East event to focus on the increasingly global Halal industry, will take place from 9-11 of December in Abu Dhabi at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. The event is aiming to bring together worldwide industry giants in the first event of its kind in the region, which covers all sectors and focus areas of the Halal market. Exhibiting at Halal World Expo will provide producers and distributors of Halal products with the opportunity to meet industry peers and International Halal authorities, to network and create further business opportunities. Halal World Expo will present on international platform in which this may be achieved.

As the Middle East positions itself as one of the premier users of quality Halal products with its dense concentration of Muslim consumers, there is huge potential for the Halal industry across the GCC to produce and distribute high quality, regulation certified Halal products throughout the region. The exhibition will also be looking at Halal lifestyle products including Islamic fashion and cosmetics, a market worth AED 2.06 billion in the UAE alone and other health care products. Islamic Finance will also be a focus of the exhibition. Islamic Finance is of interest to the Halal industry as many companies involved

in the Halal market will be seeking Shari’a compliant financial products and services. The event is featuring an international Halal Forum, Global Halal and Islamic Business Forum which will run alongside the Halal World Expo. The forum will have a holistic approach and will focus on the Halal industry from a business perspective. It will enable business professionals from finance and banking, food and beverage, textile, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, property, travel, leisure and healthcare to discover the best practice in Halal and Islamic business. For more information please log on to www. hj halalworldexpo.com.

WHAT: KUALA LUMPUR ISLAMIC FINANCE FORUM 2007 (KLIFF 2007) WHEN: 19 – 22 NOVEMBER, 2007 WHERE: HOTEL NIKKO KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

TOWARDS INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABLE GROWTH Following the success of previous KLIFF events in 2004, 2005 and most notably 2006, the Centre for Research & Training (CERT) in collaboration with Dow Jones Islamic Indexes (DJIM) New York, the International Institute of Islamic Finance Inc. (IIIF) and Messrs. Hisham, Sobri & Kadir (HSK) is proud to present the 4th Kuala Lumpur Islamic Finance Forum 2007 (KLIFF 2007) from 19 – 22 November 2007 at Hotel Nikko Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This international event will involve local, regional as well as international speakers, exhibitors, and delegates who have special interests in Islamic banking and finance. KLIFF 2007 consists of the following programmes: 4th Kuala Lumpur Islamic Finance Forum (KLIFF 2007) KLIFF Muzakarah for Shariah Advisor of Islamic Finance KLIFF Islamic Finance Award KLIFF Essay Competition in Islamic Finance

Pre- and Post-Forum Workshops The theme “Towards Innovation and Sustainable Growth” was chosen to reflect the maturing years of Islamic banking and finance with approximately 40 years of experimentations, starting from the 1960s through 2007. At this juncture, it may be appropriate to review the various milestones that have been achieved over the years whilst projecting innovation for futures growth and expansion into the globalised market. KLIFF 2007 aims to serve as an avenue for parties to jointly participate in exploring and unlocking the potential

of the industry as well as discussing the mechanisms and ways to confront the challenges waiting ahead. It is hoped that this conference will generate new enthusiasm, which will sustain the momentum in the development of the global Islamic banking and finance. For more information, please contact: Zarina / Ana / Hafiz (Secretariat) at +603-4108 1439 or fax +603-4106 1549 or email to zarina@cert.com.my / ana@cert.com.my / hafiz@cert.com.my or kindly log on to www.kliff2007.com.

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WHAT: FOOD & HOTEL SHOW (FHM 2007) WHEN: 22 – 25 AUGUST 2007 WHERE: KUALA LUMPUR CONVENTION CENTRE, MALAYSIA

MALAYSIA’S BIGGEST FOOD AND HOTEL SHOW A BOOST TO TOURIST ARRIVALS FOR VMY 2007 A total of 17.55 million tourists spent a whopping RM36.271 million in Malaysia in 2006 and the “Visit Malaysia Year 2007” is well on track to achieve the targeted 20.1 million tourist arrivals by year-end, thanks to the aggressive VMY 2007 campaign coupled with a series of high profile events celebrating the country’s 50th anniversary of independence. Another major contributing factor is the MICE sector and come August 22-25, Malaysia’s premier Food and Hotel show (FHM 2007) is set to attract over 15,000 trade visitors, of whom some 10 per cent will be from overseas. “A comprehensive exhibition like FHM 2007 is of great importance especially when the government is encouraging hotel and restaurant owners to help grow Malaysia’s hospitality and tourism industry,” said Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, Malaysia Minister of Tourism. “A total of 600 exhibitors from 32 countries will be at this premier show and the spin-offs to the tourism sector will be substantial,” commented Alun Jones, general manager of organiser Malaysian Exhibition Services Sdn Bhd. “We expect that the overseas participants

and visitors will take the opportunity for some rest and recreation by exploring other attractions of Malaysia after business is done.” FHM 2007, which is the 9th biennial Malaysian International Exhibition of Food, Drinks, Hotel, Restaurant and Foodservice Equipment, Supplies, Services & Related Technology will take place concurrently with Culinaire Malaysia 2007, the region’s largest culinary competition at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Held alongside FHM 2007 is the 5th Malaysian International Food Processing & Packaging Technology Exhibition (PROPAK 2007), the Asean Food Congress, which proudly returns to Malaysia this year, and the World

Association of Cooks Societies (WACS) Asia Pacific Forum. Keeping up to its status as “Malaysia’s Premier Food and Hospitality Show”, FHM2007 is fully supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Malaysian Association of Hotel, Chefs Association of Malaysia, The Malaysian Food & Beverage Executive Association and is endorsed by MATRADE. FHM 2007 is opened from 10 am – 6 pm daily from August 22 to 24, 2007 and from 10 am to 5 pm on August 25, 2007. The exhibition is opened to professional, trade and business visitors only. For more information on visiting the show, please email enquiry@mesallworld.com or visit www.foodandhotel.com. hj

WHAT: HALAL FOOD STANDARDS REALISATION (HAFSTAR) MS1500:2004 WHEN: 6 - 7 AUGUST 2007 WHERE: HOTEL PERDANA, KOTA BHARU, KELANTAN

ADDRESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF HALAL FOOD STANDARDS The Department of Standard Malaysia (DSM), the agency that was responsible for drafting a fiveyear realisation programme for the Malaysian Halal standard MS1500:2004, have introduced a series of seminars and workshops with the latest being in Kota Bharu, Kelantan on the 6-7 August. The objective of the programme is to promote and create awareness on the application of the MS1500:2004 in the entire food supply value chain specifically for businessmen, producers, suppliers and consumers. HAFSTAR is a stage to seek the direction of the Halal industry by identifying the perspectives and strategies from various bodies. It is also a platform for local Small and Medium Industries (SMIs) to benefit from Malaysia’s pivotal role in Halal certification and position themselves to become a global Halal player.

A diverse set of speakers presented their papers highlighting the opportunities and challenges in the global Halal industry, including the Malaysian International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), the Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC) and Johor Corporation. Businessmen, manufacturers, producers, suppliers, hotel and restaurants operators were among the varied participants of HAFSTAR. The event also included a business networking session which brought together

representatives from supermarkets, franchise owners, Halal suppliers and various government agencies in Malaysia, including Carrefour, CIMB Islamic, the Ministry of Agriculture and many more. KFC Holdings Malaysia being the main sponsor, held the seminar, which was held concurrently with a minicarnival to entertain the healthy number of visitors and trade participants who took this opportunity to feature their Halal products.

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MATRADE news MISSION

DEVELOPING AND PROMOTING MALAYSIA’S EXPORT TO THE WORLD

stablished since 1st March 1993 as the external trade promotion arm of Malaysia’s Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), MATRADE, or the Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation, functions as a focal point for Malaysian exporters and foreign importers to source for trade-related information. By providing market research information and relevant advice, MATRADE assists Malaysian exporters to better position their products and services in the highly competitive global markets. MATRADE, the national trade promotion agency, with its network offices located in commercial cities worldwide is dedicated to facilitate Malaysian companies’ make a foray into international markets, develop and diversify export markets for Malaysia’s goods and services, enhance the visibility of Malaysian companies, as well as business interests overseas, and strengthen Malaysia’s image as a reputable trading and business partner worldwide. In achieving these objectives, MATRADE utilises four of its main services - trade information, trade promotion, trade matching, as well as export development. Brief outline of these services are as follows: TRADE INFORMATION A computerised database of Malaysian exporters and foreign buyers for business matching. This database is updated on a regular basis A business library which offers the business community a convenient means for conducting preliminary research on markets and products Trade directories, exporter’s guidebooks, monthly trade bulletins, weekly trade leads and research studies Information on overseas markets and business opportunities. TRADE PROMOTION Participation of Malaysian companies in international trade fairs Participation of Malaysian companies in trade and investment missions organised jointly with

the Ministry of International Trade and Industry and MIDA Participation of Malaysian companies in specialised marketing missions to explore and identify new trade opportunities in selected markets Participation of Malaysian companies in Malaysian Product Exhibitions and solo exhibitions organised in selected markets to promote Malaysian exports Introduction of Malaysian products to consumers through in-storepromotions organised jointly with major department stores overseas Dissemination of information on Malaysian products and services through information booths and display of catalogues at international trade fairs. TRADE MATCHING Trade related enquiries

For more information contact MATRADE HEADQUATERS 7th Floor, Wisma Sime Darby, Jalan Raja Laut, 50350 Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA t +603 2616-3333 f +603 2694-7363 toll free 1 800 88 7280 e-mail info@matrade.gov.my

To Develop and Promote Malaysia’s Export to The World.

FUNCTIONS To promote, assist and develop Malaysia’s external trade with particular emphasis on the export of manufactured and semi-manufactured products and services. To formulate and implement export marketing strategies and trade promotion activities to promote Malaysia’s export. To undertake commercial intelligence and market research and create a comprehensive database of information for the improvement and development of Malaysia’s tradeTo organise training programmes to improve the international marketing skills of Malaysian exporters. To enhance and protect Malaysia’s international trade investment abroad. To promote, facilitate and assist in the services areas related to trade.

received from foreign buyers are disseminated to Malaysian manufacturers and service providers Business meetings between foreign buyers and Malaysian suppliers organised in conjunction with the visit of buying missions Disseminate international tender notifications received by MATRADE overseas offices and the Malaysian missions to Malaysian suppliers and service providers. EXPORT DEVELOPMENT Market Development Grants (MDGs) to assist SMEs to undertake activities for the development of export markets Seminars/workshops to nurture new exporters and update existing exporters on trade developments and business opportunities in international markets Guidance and advice to SMEs that have the potential to market their hj products and services abroad.

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The World Halal Forum Secretariat works all year round with policy holders, industry leaders and Halal practitioners from all over the world by organising the World Halal Forum Industry Dialogues, where we listen, discuss and deliberate on topics that stand to shape the growth and progress of the Halal industry globally. Interactive dialogue sessions have been planned and will be conducted within the following cities and countries, including: Singapore Jakarta, Indonesia London, United Kingdom Ninxia, China Johannesburg, South Africa Brunei Paris, France Berlin, Germany Dubai, UAE India Bangkok, Thailand Australia Brazil Be on the lookout for the confirmed dates of each of these WHF Industry Dialogues

SPONSORED BY

Log on to

www.worldhalalforum.org for more info.

SPECIAL REPORT : HALAL SCIENCE

By Hariz Kamal and Wan Shahirah Wan Hassan

Knowledge and the Science of Halal W

e are repeatedly reminded about the golden age of Islam and how Muslim scholars have given the world today most of the knowledge we now know and use. They have made important and original contributions to mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, philosophy and countless other fields of study. Forever etched in the annals of history are names like Ibn Sina, Ibn Khaldun, al Khawarizmi, al Farabi and Abu Al Qasim, all universal geniuses whose works lives on centuries after they are gone. The pursuit of knowledge was so ingrained that many others continued this fine tradition knowing that â&#x20AC;&#x153;the ink of scholars is more precious than the blood of martyrs,â&#x20AC;? as the Sunnah goes. What happens then is done. What matters now is the future. In this special feature on knowledge and the science of Halal, we are proud to present to you three leading Muslim scientists whose work could possibly shape the future of the global Halal industry as we know it. We also present in this special issue, three main industry challenges that these leading scientists have either started work on or are currently considering to undertake. Let us pray that Allah the Almighty show them the straight path.

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THE LEADERS OF HALAL SCIENCE

Professor Dr. Abd-ElAziem Farouk Gad

f one were to have the chance of meeting leading Halal scientist and inventor, Professor Dr. rer. nat. Abd-ElAziem Farouk Gad, one would be astounded by his affable and buoyant personality. Naturally, most would feel intimidated by such a title preceding his name and even more so after discovering his credentials and the capacity of his contributions to the global Halal industry. Nevertheless, Professor Farouk is as down-toearth as anyone could get. The Egyptian-born and German-raised specialist in biotechnology received his doctorate in 1995 from the Martin Luther Halle-Wittenberg University for his research in the cloning of thermophilic bacterial enzymes and their expression in Bacillus and plants. With previous occupations in Egypt and Germany, he resides in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where he is a professor at the Department of Biotechnology Engineering under the International Islamic University of Malaysia’s (IIUM) Faculty of Engineering. Professor Farouk is a man of many missions, that once they have been accomplished the indefatigable scientist would only come up with new ones. His aim to start what he thought was a much needed stronger research culture in IIUM led him into becoming the founder and coordinator of the institution’s Biomolecular Engineering Research Unit, an endeavour, which also facilitates the commercialisation of biotechnology products. With more than twenty inventions, eleven patents and eighteen years of experience under his biotechnology belt it is for certain that he means it when he says, “Innovation never stops!” Amongst his almost endless list of contributions and accomplishments, Professor Farouk marks the establishment of the first biotechnologybased Malaysian company, Gadbionvelty, as one of his most personally rewarding achievements. The collaboration with FybOrganic Technologies Sdn Bhd was a step taken to venture the production of biofertilisers and animal feed from discarded oil palm trunks (OPTs). He also notes his effort of initiating the IIUM Halal Research and Consultancy Centre as another personal achievement – as it was under this centre that the Molecular Halal Research took place. The research consisted of a team of six scientists led by Professor Farouk, resulting in the invention of a molecular kit, which enables the detection of pork and pork by-products in Halal-labelled food products. This invention is considered to be a significant breakthrough in the Halal-industry, because not only does the DNA biomarker instantly detects any pork substance, it does so cost-effectively, which will allow large industries to use it liberally on a daily basis. It was this discovery that won “The Halal Journal Best Innovation in the Halal Industry 2007” award. Currently, Professor Farouk is working on two research projects; the first being a study on the bioconversion of rice bran into high value added myo-inositol phosphate intermediates with anti-cancer of properties, and the second focusing on diverse bacterial phytate-degrading enzymes for bioconversion of plant biomass into high value added animal feed. Both projects are expected to complete within the next two years. The unstoppable forty one year old scientist has published over 100 journal publications and has held over 150 scientific lectures and seminars in numerous prestigious universities around the world. To be awarded gold and silver medals for his inventions and innovations is a thing of the norm for Professor Farouk, and we cannot help but wonder what it is that ultimately compels him to continuously work hard. When asked about it, he responds, “Sincerity, and a keen interest to see the Halal industry move forward with more innovations.” He says that it is important for Halal product manufacturers to understand the needs and demands of Muslim consumers from all parts of the world. Therefore, he strongly emphasises the idea that it is crucial for industry players to integrate and harmonise with one another, because interdependence is an aspect of the industry that should always be encouraged. He hopes that Halal food standards will be more widely accepted on a global scale as a means of food safety assurance in the future. For he believes and knows, that Halal is wholesome – not just as a meal – but also in terms of an all-encompassing process, which takes into account hj the aspects of hygiene, environment, animal welfare and safety.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE: Molecular biology, molecular detections, cloning, gene expression, bacterial enzymes, transgenic plants, enzymatic bioconversion, biofertilizers, animal feed, anti-cancer drug discovery. NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: C1 Professor at University of Humboldt, established Gadbionvelty in 2005, founder of the Biomolecular Engineering Research Unit (IIUM), IIUM’s Best Quality Research Award 20052007, Gad-Fybosoil “Novel Biofertiliser”, The Halal Journal “Best Innovation in the Halal Industry” 2007 Award, received two gold medals at the Seoul International Invention Fair 2006, two gold medals at IENA 2006 in Germany, three gold medals at PECIPTA 2007. TEN YEARS FROM NOW: To achieve a holistic Halal chain of products such as biofertilizers, animal feed, food additives, natural and safe drugs.

Words of advice to budding Halal scientists

A strong collaboration is very much needed between scientists in the Halal industry as it is mainly through science that we can make a positive change in the legislation of Halal standards. THE HALAL JOURNAL

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THE LEADERS OF HALAL SCIENCE

Associate Professor Dr. Winai Dahlan

pend a few minutes with Associate Professor Dr. Winai Dahlan, and you will feel delighted to be in the company of a warm and friendly man who always welcomes a good conversation. It will not come as a surprise to discover that he originates from Thailand – the land of smiles and charm – if you were not aware of the fact already. Dr. Winai is very well revered in the global Halal industry, and even more so, in the local Halal scene in Thailand. The Halal scientist who obtained his PhD in Applied Medical Biology from Université Libre de Bruxelles in Belgium holds several posts in Chulalongkorn University, where he is the current dean at the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences and the founding director of the Halal Science Centre (HASCI). He is also a guest lecturer at numerous local universities in Thailand such as Mahidol University, Srinakarinwiroj University, Burapa University and Chiangmai University just to name a few. Dr. Winai’s efforts to develop the Halal industry began in the early nineties, when he carried out several laboratory analytical procedures to detect Haram substances in food products. He also developed the combined Halal Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point-Good Manufacturing Practice (HACCP-GMP) industry standard which hahs proven to be ground-breaking in the Halal industry. In 2003, he decided to apply all his years of knowledge and experience into the establishment of HASCI. Following the Thai government’s offer to help fund the establishment of the Central Laboratory and Scientific Information Centre for Halal Food Development, known in short as Halal-CELSIC. This is regarded as an important milestone in the history of the Halal industry as it is recognised to be the first Halal science agency established in the world. Today, the organisation is better known as the Halal Science Centre (HASCI) and it provides analytical services and research for the Halal industry in Thailand. Apart from conducting research and development in the area of Halal science, the centre provides training for scientists, entrepreneurs, Islamic academics, and consumers. It has set up the concept of Halal scientific laboratory networking with other countries as well; to further develop the Halal industry in a global scale. Equipped with state-of-the-world modern technology and advanced scientific devices, which include the following instruments: • Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) • Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GS/MS) • High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) • Gas Chromatography (GC) • Inductively Couple Plasma (ICP) • Atomic Absorption (AA) spectroscope • Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscope • Uncorrected (UC) and Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reactor (PCR)

Words of advice to budding Halal scientists

Alongside with a dedicated team of staff led by Dr. Winai as the founding director, the centre is definitely something for the Muslim community in Thailand to be proud of. Even though the success of HASCI has brought Thailand to the forefront of the world as one of the major Halal hubs, it is the introduction of the integrated Halal-HACCP-GMP system – which has been progressively developed into what is now known as the HAL-Q system – that he feels to be one of his most personally rewarding accomplishments. This is because the HAL-Q system has been introduced to more than seventy Halal food factories in Thailand to date. Dr. Winai is extremely pleased with this progress as ensuring the implementation of the system into food plants across the country has been his main focus for the last few years. Coming from a family of Muslim scholars, it was only natural for him to be so devoted towards this cause. He is very much compelled by the idea that his work is a form of da’wah (spreading knowledge of Islam) and to reinforce the Halal brand is one of the ways of protecting Islamic values and culture. He deems it as his duty as a scientist to hj uplift the Halal brand according to practicality and feasibility.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE: Molecular biology, molecular detections, cloning, gene expression, bacterial enzymes, transgenic plants, enzymatic bioconversion, biofertilisers, animal feed, and discovery of anti-cancer drug. NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 1 Professor at University of Humboldt, established Gadbionvelty in 2005, founder of the Biomolecular Engineering Research Unit (IIUM), IIUM’s Best Quality Research Award 2005-2007, Gad-Fybosoil “Novel Biofertiliser”, The Halal Journal “Best Innovation in the Halal Industry 2007” Award, received two gold medals at the Seoul International Invention Fair 2006, two gold medals at the Essayette of Nuremberg International Exhibition (IENA) 2006 in Germany, and three gold medals at the Exposition of Research and Inventions of International Institutions of Higher Learning (PECIPTA) 2007 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. TEN YEARS FROM NOW: To achieve a holistic Halal chain of products such as biofertilisers, animal feed, food additives, and natural and safe drugs.

Islam and science has always complemented each other, but they have been made to seem like two separate entities that do not go together. It is important for future Muslim scientists to learn from the leading scientists of today, in order to understand the significance of science in the lives of Muslims.

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THE LEADERS OF HALAL SCIENCE

Professor Dr. Yaakob Che Man

s soon as you step into his office you will immediately feel welcomed by his warm hospitality and soft-spoken nature. If you have not heard about Professor Dr. Yaakob Che Man in the past it is not because he has not been an active contributor to the Halal industry. The Malaysian food technology specialist is extremely passionate about the development of Halal products and Halal science but in the past he has always been involved behind-the-scenes as most scientists do. Today, Dr. Yaakob is finally ready to step into the spotlight and embark on his mission to further develop and promote Halal as a standard that is healthy, hygienic, wholesome and most importantly, universal. When it comes to food technology Professor Yaakob is the man for it as not only is he passionate about food technology but he is also thoroughly qualified. He acquired his BSc and MSc degrees in Food Technology in 1977 and 1979, respectively, from the University of Tennessee in the United States. When he returned to Malaysia he began his career as a lecturer in the Department of Food Technology at Universiti Pertanian Malaysia (now known as Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM). Not long after, he was given the opportunity to pursue a PhD in Food Chemistry at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, in the United States and successfully obtained his doctorate in 1988. Since then his career history in UPM includes his services as the Head of the Food Technology Department, Deputy Dean of Food Science and Technology and as the Head of Bureau for Professional Services, a sub-department under the same faculty. Dr. Yaakob’s expertise is well-recognised, both locally and internationally, as he sits on the editorial boards of various international journals such as the Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Services (Malaysia), ASEAN Food Journal (Australia and Malaysia) Journal of Food Lipids (USA), Journal of International Hospitality (USA), and Journal of Food and Agriculture and Environment (Finland). He is also an entrusted reviewer for numerous scientific papers that written by the likes of Journal of Food Science, Journal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society, International Journal of Food Science and Technology and many more. As a food technologist, his research studies revolve around the ways of developing state-of-the-art rapid methods for oils and fats, particularly on palm oil products, one of Malaysia’s highest revenue generating commodities. As a Halal scientist, he is currently he is an ardent supporter of the Halal industry’s development by encouraging more Halal science research to be done. “As far as research in Halal products [is concerned], it is very much lacking. No local or international institution, takes Halal science seriously, except the Halal Science Centre under Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok,” he expresses. His sheer determination to make a difference in the Halal industry motivated him to establish the Halal Products Research Institute (HPRI) in July 2006. As a subsidiary of Universiti Putra Malaysia, the institution’s main purpose is to devote itself to the development of local and international Halal products. At the moment, research on gelatine, alcohol, slaughter methods are being carried out at the HPRI. Through the institution he intends to improve the Halal industry by providing services under these categories - analysis and authentication, policy and management, product and process innovation and professional training. A post-graduate studies academic programme has also been designed and offered to those who are interested in the areas of Halal food analysis and Halal food management. He feels it is every Muslim’s obligation to be aware of Islamic affairs, especially the ones pertaining to the issues of Halal and Haram as they are serious matters in Islam. His observations as a food technologist has shown him that there are many issues regarding our food consumption, as far as Halal is concerned. He tries to fulfill his duties as a Muslim and as an academician by not only educating his students but also society as a whole. “This is a form of da’wah,” he explains, “and as a food technology expert, educating hj both manufacturers and consumers is an important aspect [of what I do].”

AREAS OF EXPERTISE: Food technology (fats and oils, Halal food) NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: First Prize UPM Research Award in 2000, Outstanding Paper Presentation Award from the American Oil Chemists Society in 2000, included in the list of ‘Top 10 Scientists of Malaysia (compiled by Ministry of Science), Khwarizmi International Award from the Iranian Research Organisation for Science and Technology in 2004, Science and Technology Award 2004 from Malaysian Toray Science Foundation, Vice Chancellor Award for Research and Excellence 2004 from UPM, Best Publication 2000-2006 awards from MPOB, cited in the Marquis Who’s Who in the World since 2000.

Words of advice to budding Halal scientists

More tertiary institutions and research institutions should have research programs on Halal products because it is through research we are able better inform ourselves and others. Research will also ensure Malaysia’s position as an international Halal hub. THE HALAL JOURNAL

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CHALLENGE

One of the major issues of concern that should be conclusively addressed by Muslim No. 01 scientists is the use of mechanical slaughtering within the poultry industry. Shahirah FOR MUSLIM Elaiza Wan Hassan analyses the current industry practices and highlights just why

SCIENTISTS this issue should be given priority by the scientists, as well as the Muslim scholars.

Mechanical Slaughter

ver the past decade, worldwide poultry meat consumption has risen forcefully, and as demand increases, so does per capita consumption and this is expected to multiply drastically within the next decade. In the United States, the consumption of poultry has outgrown that of beef and pork due to a number of reasons. For one, poultry meat is well known to have a healthier image due to its qualities of being lean and rich in protein. Chicken meat is also relatively cheaper, making it an even better option for consumers, health-conscious or not. The global Halal food industry is no exception to this phenomenon as Muslims around the world are becoming even more powerful consumers within the foreseeable future. In 2005, Saudi Arabia imported over 380,000 metric tons of poultry from the world’s largest poultry producer - Brazil, which supplies more than 78 per cent of Saudi’s total chicken imports. Saudi’s 2005 per capita consumption of poultry meat and products is estimated at 37.4 kg, and it should be even higher today. To meet with this growing demand, the Saudi government has encouraged its locals to establish new poultry farms or even expand existing ones in order to attain as much self-sufficiency as possible. The same is done in Malaysia where per capita consumption is also reported to be one of the world’s highest at 32 kg. With Malaysia’s aim to become a Halal food hub, the poultry industry is well positioned to supply Halal processed poultry to other Islamic countries and Muslim consumers worldwide.

However, with different existing Halal standards on poultry around the world, can the Halal food industry cope with this growing global demand? This is where the thorny issues of stunning and mechanical slaughter come into the spotlight. ISSUES DICTATING PRODUCTION PREFERENCE

To keep up with the rising demand of poultry meat consumption, the Halal food industry has realised that Halal poultry production has to be of high quality, cost-effective and extremely productive at the same time. In order to achieve this, a number of Halal poultry manufacturers have resorted to mechanically slaughtering their poultry, while there are some who oppose and strongly insist on using hand slaughter as a means of production. An elaborate explanation on each of these aspects that would dictate the production preference of mechanical slaughter is described as follows:

LACK OF A STANDARDISED GLOBAL HALAL STANDARD

Halal certification agencies play the largest role in determining the standards of which Halal poultry producers have to adhere to. In the United Kingdom (UK), the Halal Monitoring Committee (HMC) has clear requirements as to what they deem to be Halal for poultry and they declare to have adopted the most stringent of Halal slaughter guidelines that are acceptable by all Muslim sects and schools of thought. HMC’s certification standards state that Halal poultry should not be stunned prior to slaughter and only the act of manual slaughter (or Type 1, refer to box story) is acceptable as a process of Halal poultry production. Additionally, the tasmiyah (recitation of Bismillah Allahuakbar) must be said verbally and a minimum amount of severed blood vessels must be met. Cibal Brazil is also known to follow the same strict standards, which is understandable since Brazil is the world’s largest Halal poultry producer and exporter

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What is mechanical slaughtering?

The mechanical slaughtering of poultry can be defined as using an electrical machine to perform the act of cutting the throat, oesophagus and severing major blood vessels in the neck region (jugular vein and carotid artery). In a normal case, a Muslim slaughterman is employed to operate the machine and verbally pronounce the tasmiyah (recitation of Bismillah Allahuakhbar, which translates into English as “In the name of Allah, Allah the Greatest”, while another Muslim slaughterman is entrusted to monitor the operation and hand slaughter any chicken that missed the mechanical knife. Prior to mechanical slaughtering, the poultry is usually stunned with a water bath stunner, where only the tip of the bird’s head touches a body of electrocuted water, to cause a temporary loss of consciousness. Figure 1: List of Halal certification bodies that allows which aspects of production JAKIM

CIBAL BRAZIL

ISNA

HMC

AFIC

FIANZ

Slaughterman must be a Muslim

√

Stunning (water bath, head only)

√

Mechanical Slaughter (rotating blade)

√

Verbal recitation of Tasmiah (not a recording)

√

Ensuring minimum required vessels are severed

√

slaughter as Halal poultry manufacturers are expected to produce a certain number of slaughtered chickens per minute. They reason that it is much more productive and less time consuming to use machines for slaughtering. Leading Canadian Halal poultry producer - Maple Lodge Farms for example, which is certified Halal by the Ontario-based Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), mechanically slaughters 140 birds per minute to produce over 200,000 Halal slaughtered chickens daily for their Zabiha Halal brand. Maple Lodge’s category manager Falah Alizzi explains that mechanical slaughtering is not only good time management but is also more humane. His visits to factories that hand-slaughter their poultry revealed that due to the speed of production, the slaughtermen were not able to precisely cut the neck region of every chicken on the conveyor line, resulting in many of them having their heads decapitated. His concerns bring us to the next issue that also plays a crucial role in the production of mechanically slaughtered poultry. ANIMAL WELFARE ISSUES

SOURCED FROM VARIOUS RESOURCES

to the Middle East market, Saudi Arabia in particular. The Ulama Board of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) on the other hand, accepts mechanically slaughtered poultry as Halal, provided that a number of conditions are followed. The conditions that FIANZ has set includes that all machines must be manually operated by Muslim slaughtermen who are of sane and conscious mind. The processing speed should be maintained at such a level whereby a Muslim slaughterman can easily say the tasmiyah on each chicken that is about to be slaughtered and the rotating blade must be sharp at all times. Electrical stunning of poultry is also allowed by FIANZ, provided that

only water bath stunners are used. The voltage of the stunners should always be monitored to ensure it is maintained at a low amperage so that the process of stunning does not damage the chicken’s internal organs and/or cause death to the bird. At the same time, FIANZ has also advised that hand-slaughtered poultry is most preferable and is the safest and most satisfying method. Malaysia’s Department of Islamic Development or JAKIM has similar Halal standards to that of FIANZ as they accept mechanically slaughtered poultry to be Halal, also with the condition that the process complies with the same basic requirements. (See figure 1) TIME FACTOR

The issue of time plays a significant role in the practice of mechanical

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has introduced guidelines for the slaughter of animals for human consumption in hopes of increasing the number of countries that consider animal welfare a priority. Animal health and welfare organisations such as the OIE are concerned about the treatment of poultry in slaughterhouses and they are very adamant about regulations that prohibit poultry from undergoing any unnecessary distress and pain prior to being slaughter. At the OIE’s Europe Convention for the Protection of Animals for Slaughter in 1979, it was agreed that all animals must be stunned before being bled. However, the act of ritual slaughter (e.g. Halal, Kosher) has been exempted from this rule with the condition that the slaughter must be done in such a way as to spare the animals any unnecessary suffering. Dr. Temple Grandin, a professor of Animal Science at the Colorado State University, who is also the successful and professional designer of livestock facilities, is noted for her animal welfare movements and in the past has come up with a few guideline ideas to increase better practice of animal welfare. Dr. Grandin, together with Dr. Joe Regenstein, a professor of Food Science and an expert on religious slaughter from Cornell University, both agree that both Halal and Kosher slaughter is more humane, if not as humane as any other techniques that are being practiced in the industry. They believed that the key is proper attention to the animal - human and machine parameters that must be properly combined to give a well-operated system. (Regenstein and Grandin, 1992).

Dr. Grandin, together with Dr. Joe Regenstein, BOTH AGREE that both Halal and Kosher slaughter is MORE HUMANE, if not as humane as any other techniques that are being practiced in the industry. THE HALAL JOURNAL

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Types of Mechanical Slaughter There are three types of mechanical slaughter in practice, according to the Halal Monitoring Committee (HMA) of Canada:

::TYPE 1

A Muslim slaughterman transports the chickens by hand to the place of slaughter through a conveyer belt and are manually slaughtered. If there is certainty that the chicken is alive and the Muslim slaughterer recites the name of Allah upon slaughtering, then the chicken is Halal. In this case, only the transportation is mechanical but the slaughtering is done manually. This procedure is unanimously permissible and recommended.

::TYPE 2

Chickens are transported using conveyer belt to the rotating blade. Once the mechanical plant comes into operation, the blade will also come into operation and cuts the neck area of the chicken. This procedure is not permissible, according to HMA. It does not matter if the plant and the blades are controlled together or separately.

::TYPE 3

The chickens are transported by conveyer belt to many slaughter blades and each blade is controlled separately by a Muslim who recites the name of Allah upon aﬀecting the mechanical slaughter. This procedure, according to HMA, conforms to the principles of Sharée Zabh set out by the Fuqahaa. According to HMA’s knowledge, such a procedure does not yet exist. Sourced from Mufti Ibrahim Desai (www.hmacanada.org)

McDonald’s quality assurance director for the Middle East and Africa, Dr. Habib M’Nasria, feels differently about mechanical slaughtering and his views represent the majority of Halal practitioners across the world. The mechanical slaughtering of poultry is highly unacceptable in many countries, especially by the Middle East market, as most ulamas agree on the viewpoint that it is neither in accordance with the Qur’an nor the Sunnah (Prophet’s teachings). Dr. Habib believes that when a machine is performing what should rightfully be done by a human, it takes away the intention and the act of individual

prayer (tasmiyah) which is central to the process of Halal slaughtering. He reasons that this modern technique of Halal slaughtering requires the chicken to be still and motionless for effective slaughtering, which would require pre-stunning. The act of stunning is another controversial issue as although it is intended to put the chicken in a state of comatose while it is being slaughtered, it has been argued that stunning kills one third of poultry before it can be slaughtered. It is also believed to stop the convulsion of animals thus blood is not rushing through the body and heart for efficient bleeding. However, Dr. Habib is mindful of the demands brought up by animal rights groups on the use of stunning to avoid inflicting pain to the animal. He says the challenge is to find a method that satisfies everyone. COST EFFECTIVENESS

Another important factor that has led to the usage of machines to slaughter poultry is cost or the economies of scale. With a high gradual increase in demand, producers must be able to cater to the consumers’ consumption needs. For producers, it is more costeffective to mechanically slaughter poultry due to a number of reasons. Firstly, producers are expected to supply a large quantity of Halal slaughtered poultry everyday; therefore the speed of production must be kept close to maximum. The technique of mechanical slaughtering ensures that this daily quota is met while keeping cost at a reasonable amount. Hand slaughtering their poultry would mean increasing labour and manpower which would often result in a higher production cost, which would also result in a higher price for the end consumers. Secondly, mechanical slaughtering introduces automation into the process of production and the outcome is the uniformity of end products and in some companies’ opinion, an upgrade of working conditions. Halal poultry producers aim to increase the Halal food industry’s capacity in order to keep the final products as

competitively priced as possible. Meanwhile, there are Halal poultry producers such as AlSafa Halal that openly disclose the fact that they hand slaughter their poultry but do not present cost as an issue to increase price. Steve Hahn, vice president of the Canadian-based business, constantly comes across people who argue that it would be almost impossible for their company to survive and compete in the industry by hand slaughtering their poultry. He responds to such comments by inviting them to visit Al Safa Halal’s factory and telling them to see how they operate in the factory. “We are doing about forty birds per minute…but we can do as much as 120 birds per minute. It simply means we have to add some more people on to the line,” said Hahn. He emphasises on the fact that it is possible to compete and for them it is not an economic issue. “It’s about someone’s religion. So we really have no choice,” he concludes. Al Safa Halal switched from mechanical slaughter to hand slaughtering their poultry beginning October 1999 after their customers expressed concerns regarding their products’ Halal status. To avoid losing their customers Al Safa Halal made the decision to change their method of slaughtering and report that it has increased their profit month by month. MUSLIM SLAUGHTERMEN (AHL-UL-KITAB)

It is stated in most Halal certification standards available around the world that Halal slaughtering must be performed by slaughtermen who are of Muslim faith and this applies to both hand and mechanical slaughter. Although most Halal poultry producers adhere to this criterion without much trouble, there are a number of issues in relation to slaughtermen that influence the production of Halal poultry, such as, what if there are no qualified Muslim slaughtermen to be found, especially in a non-Muslim country? In Australia, Muslim slaughtermen must be authorised by the Australian Federation of

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Islamic Councils (AFIC) to ensure the Halal integrity of products by Australian food manufacturers. In New Zealand, the New Zealand Halal Slaughtermen Union was established in 2004 to provide employment and religious support to the local Muslim slaughtermen. As in most non-Muslim nations, a large percentage of Muslim slaughtermen in New Zealand are immigrants whose main purpose in the country is to serve the Halal meat and poultry producers. The Union believes the slaughtermen are the hub of the Halal meat and poultry industry and they are the ones who ultimately determine the quality of end products. In 2005, the Union has successfully established a professional training program for those interested in the said career by covering all the religious, social and technical aspects of the Halal industry. Such an organisation is valuable to the industry as it helps provide the necessary assistance to the Halal food manufacturers and Muslim slaughtermen, which in turn is a contribution to the consumers. CONCLUSION

Amidst all these aspects that influence the production of Halal poultry, it is no surprise that ultimately, it is the Muslim consumers at large who are the victims. It goes without saying that all Halal certification agencies and Halal producers have to come together and agree on what is best for all parties involved, and would ultimately benefit the Muslim consumers. Professor Dr. Abd El-Aziem Farouk Gad of the International Islamic University of Malaysiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Faculty

Halal certified

Meanwhile, there are Halal poultry producers such as Al-Safa Halal that openly disclose the fact that they HAND SLAUGHTER their poultry but DO NOT PRESENT COST as an issue to increase price. of Engineering proposed for innovation to be one of the main solutions. This includes innovation in the technology of the slaughter line by improving on the design of the slaughter line and the entire existing process flow, and perhaps coming up with sharper knives and more research on animal welfare issues. Falah Alizzi strongly insists that ulama or Islamic scholars and scientists in Muslim nations should collaborate to find ways to harmonise and create one global set of Halal standards that are universal and applicable for all. He believes that Muslim nations have an advantage over the rest of the world when it comes to Halal. He added that many seem to forget the fact that the Muslim consumersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; opinions are absolutely crucial to

the existence of the Halal food industry we know today. For most part, they are the main decisionmakers of many aspects of Halal food production and they should take advantage of this prerogative. Consumers are also urged to be more aware of the practices that are carried out not only by manufacturers and retailers but also Halal certification agencies or certifiers that may have other questionable agendas in mind. It is important that a trustworthy relationship is developed between consumers, Halal certification agencies, Halal food producers and retailers to ensure the integrity of Halal is achieved and sustained. Together we can all contribute and make a difference to the hj global Halal food industry.

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CHALLENGE

No. 02 Many quarters in the UK are now obsessed with the issue of stunning of animals FOR MUSLIM prior to slaughtering, giving the impression that it is considered as haram. Or is it? SCIENTISTS Hazel Hassan Hisham takes a look at the issue in a more cautious manner.

Photo by Jari Aho & Massimo Somma

Stunning

s the tussle in the UK goes on, there seems to be a split of opinion – one side considers stunned meat to be Halal, referring to the lack of materials, literatures and the likes stating it to be haram. And then there’s another twist - Research has shown that animals can and do die from stunning. If an animal dies because of stunning it is stipulated to be haram to eat. As we can’t be 100 per cent sure that the animal was alive at the time of slaughter, some say that we should then avoid all stunned meat. Looking at the issue in a more cautious manner, some of the Halal meat authorities have cited fatwa from scholars to support their stance that it is indeed haram, but they seem to be taking such fatwa quoted out of context and not in full. For example, one fatwa

often cited is that of Muhammad Usman, Darul-Ifta, Jamia Sarul Uloom, Karachi. According to many, his fatwa concluded that stunning is haram, whereas if one reads the fatwa in full, you will see that he in fact does not say it is haram at all but in fact that it is completely Halal. A few of his comments include, “As for the ruling regarding the meat of an animal slaughtered in this way (meaning stunned), if the animal was definitely alive at the time of slaughter, and was slaughtered correctly, it would be considered Halal. It is not correct to check

some animals and deduce from this that the rest were also alive”. “In such a situation, the meat of those animals about which it is known with certainty or beyond reasonable doubt that they were alive at the time of slaughter, and they were correctly slaughtered, will be considered Halal. And the meat of those animals about which it is known (or there is a strong possibility) that they were dead at the time of slaughter, or those animals about which it is not possible to ascertain if they were dead or

Another European scholar Spoerri came to a similar conviction in 1964 when he made a research on ritual slaughter of some 50 animals under laboratory conditions: the ritual slaughter caused at least no more pain than slaughter after electric, gas or captive bolt stunning. 36 THE HALAL JOURNAL

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alive at the time of slaughter, will not be considered Halal, and it is not permissible to use such meat.”

he stunning of animals has been controversial with regard to animal’s welfare from the outset of its introduction into the slaughter system. It must be remembered, the stunning practice was introduced at the turn of the 20th century in Europe as an alternative method of slaughter to the one of Islamic and Jewish faith. The experts from animal protection organisations proclaimed ritual slaughter as cruel while declaring stunning (at that time only captive bolt) more humane with regard to pain and fear factor. However, representations of this kind have long been challenged by other established scholars from their own kinship. As early as in 1927, German scientist Bongart with his team conducted a thorough study on ritual slaughter of calves and reached the conclusion that if ritual slaughter is carried out properly, no cruelty of whatever kind can be found. Another European scholar Spoerri came to a similar conviction in 1964 when he made a research on ritual slaughter of some 50 animals under laboratory conditions: the ritual slaughter caused

stunning and do not certify as Halal, abattoirs which employ stunning.” HMC is not alone in their categorical stance on stunning; Muslim Council of Britain and Halal Monitoring Authority of Canada are but a few Muslim organisations in the West who strongly oppose stunning. They argue that stunning is more traumatic for the animal than simply cutting the throat, and the meat of stunned animals retains more blood as compared to the meat from non-stunned animals. Most religious councils the world over will not of course compromise Shariah for the sake of commercial interests. Of the 12 major Halal food exporting countries in the world, (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, India, New Zealand, Philippines, South Africa, United Kingdom and the USA) none

a reduced profit and revenue. The Muslim authorities must start to recognise that they have both the responsibility and the power to set the Halal standards for the major Halal meat producers. What we would all like to see is a collective effort by the various certification authorities around the world to set a global Halal standard and have them put into practice although it may well be easier said than done. Given the importance of religious slaughter to Muslim consumers, it is important that scientists must be absolutely objective when evaluating these practices from an animal welfare standpoint. It seems that evaluation of religious slaughter is an area where many people have lost scientific objectivity. This has resulted in a biased and very

Given the importance of religious slaughter to Muslim consumers, it is important that scientists must be absolutely objective when evaluating these practices from an animal welfare standpoint. It seems that evaluation of religious slaughter is an area where many people have lost scientific objectivity. at least no more pain than slaughter after electric, gas or captive bolt stunning. Later on there were more scientific findings of a similar nature using electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring of brain function and electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring of heart function during both methods of slaughter. In each and every case, the result was the same: EEG had severe disturbances after stunning and no change after ritual cut; the zero line in EEG (loss of consciousness) was registered earlier in stunningfree slaughter; the heart frequency rose directly after stunning and gradually after ritual cut; even the body cramp was longer in the stunned animals. According to Leicester-based Halal Monitoring Committee (HMC) of England, even low current stunning kills some chickens due to their poor health and small size. “There is no way the producer can ensure that no chickens die during stunning and there is no way he can ensure the dead ones are taken out of the line during daily routine,” said Mohamed Benkhelifa, Chairman of HMC. “I myself found dead chickens after being stunned, in those factories that claimed to be Halal.” He added, “HMC is totally against all types of

are under any form of Muslim authority. While the meat that they produce is usually of the highest quality, Halal is for them a purely economic issue; it is about access to a market of 2 billion people. Need for objective evaluation

he whole issue of stunning raises the concern that for the most part, the production of Halal meat is in the hands of non-Muslim companies in non-Muslim countries. We consume, but do not produce. Hence we have to negotiate the importance of Halal slaughter to people whose concerns – while they may overlap with our own – are not the same. With the issues of stunned meat being highlighted more and more each day, the slaughter houses are now faced with a dilemma of

selective opinion on the subject. Politics and economic reasons have interfered with good science. Possibly, Muslim scientists should initiate a more up-to-date scientific evidence that would prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that stunning is actually better or worse for the animal. Only when the results of the findings have been substantiated with scientific results perhaps there will be a solution to ensure that both the animals’ and the Muslim consumers’ rights are both addressed amicably. In the end, once all these are in place, we shall want to see Muslim governments create their own national Halal standard (for the lack of a global Halal standard) from these exact recent findings, based on hard facts and scientific analysis, not pride or emotions. hj THE HALAL JOURNAL

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CHALLENGE

The technology of genetic modiﬁcation (GM) has been generating many scientiﬁc No. 03 and economic debates. Let us call for all Islamic scholars and scientists (both Muslims FOR MUSLIM and non-Muslims) to sit together and review GM in the angle of Halal and Tayyib, for

SCIENTISTS the betterment of the people and the environment. Ruzanna Muhammad reports.

Photo by Fernando Weberich

Genetic Modiﬁcation

enetic modification or genetic engineering is not something new in the world of science, at least not since three decades ago. Since the early 1980s, scientists or geneticists – as they are more normally known – have been able to extract individual genes from the cells of one species of plant (or animal) and insert them into the cells of another. This process, often known as genetic engineering in the 1980s and 90s, is now more commonly described as genetic modification (GM) or genetic manipulation by application of the recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology. A product resulting from this process is distinguished as a Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) – a name that depicts the process involved unto the organism. More often than not, GM-related researches are conducted on plants, to improve or remove certain traits, mostly to increase the productivity

of those plants in the applications of the agriculture sector. Nevertheless, improvement of plants by human ingenuity is not new. The traditional – and still very important – way of developing desirable traits in plants and animals is through selective breeding and cross-fertilisation. This method can be somewhat arbitrary and it can take several years to develop a new variety. GM, by contrast, can be quicker and more predictable. Moreover, whereas traditional techniques can only crossbreed among different varieties of the same species, genetic modification can transfer a

gene from one species, such as an animal, to another, such as a plant. For this reason, some GMOs are described as transgenic organisms. The development and adoption of genetically modified (GM) crops around the world is increasing at a rapid pace. In a report by the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications (ISAAA), 81 million hectares of land – approximately 1.6 per cent of the total agricultural land in the world – were under the legal cultivation of GM crops in 2004. This area is growing at a rate of 20 per cent every year. Statistics is supportive of the

What makes it even more appealing to farmers is the fact that the increase in farm productivity will be at a lower cost without using more land or natural resources, and using lower levels of chemical inputs. 38 THE HALAL JOURNAL

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widespread adoption of genetic engineering and biotechnology in agriculture. However, there are still many discussions, debates, and public outcry regarding issues pertaining to GM, GM-based products, and GMOs, such as GM crops and GM foods. Matters related to GM are still highly controversial. According to a Panos report titled The GM Debate – Who Decides?, proponents of GM technology claim that GM will increase the productivity of crops – benefiting the farmers and augmenting the supply of raw materials for food processing and preparation of animal feed. What makes it even more appealing to farmers is the fact that the increase in farm productivity will be at a lower cost without using more land or natural resources, and using lower levels of chemical inputs. On the other hand, there are also concerns of the long-term impacts of GM technology on the environment and fears about the safety of GM crops for human health.

question thus arises: why does GM technology trigger many prolonged discussions and debates ever since its discovery in the early 1980s? One reason is that opponents of GM see the introduction of GM crops into the environment as an irreversible decision, whose long-term results are unknown, be it to the environment or to the human health. For instance, modified genes may escape from a crop into neighbouring crops or wild plants and start reproducing naturally. Other reasons for controversy are labelling and consumer choice, intellectual property rights, ethical and social development concerns, food security, and environmental conservation. After almost three decades of on-going debates, dialogues, conversations and discussions amongst the industry experts and scientists, with the public; what decisions and solutions have been reached? Why are there still concerns amongst the public regarding the environmental safety and consumption of GM foods? What have been decided concerning the religion, in this case, issues concerning GM in the Halal and Tayyib perspective? Halal is an Arabic word, which means lawful or permissible according to the Islamic Law (Shariah). For a product to be certified as Halal, it must not have any ingredients from sources that are not permissible by the Shariah, such as swine and swine by-products, or other animals that are not slaughtered according to the Shariah. Based on this standard, several Islamic organisations and certifying bodies

have confirmed GMOs as Halal. For example, the Islamic Jurisprudence Council (IJC) affirmed that foods derived from biotechnology-improved or GM crops are Halal – fit for consumption by Muslims. Some scholars have suggested that GM foods could possibly become non-Halal if they contain DNA or genetic codes from forbidden sources, such as swine DNA. The Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA) support the position of IJC on GMOs. IFANCA, however, notes that discussions on foods derived from GM are still ongoing. Indonesia’s leading authority on Islamic affairs also approves of the consumption of imported GM foods. Professor Aisyah Girindra, Head of Medicine and Food Supervision, Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) said in a press conference to the Deutsche Presse-Agentur, “Unofficially, we have discussed the GMO issue but, until now, there was no official fatwa issued on the matter. Despite there being no official ruling on GM-based food products, as long as it comes from plantations, such as soy bean or corn, there are no problems.” In Malaysia, the Fatwa Committee Congregation of the National Council of Islamic Affairs issued a fatwa under the heading of Biotechnology in Food and Drinks, stating that products, food and drinks processed by biotechnological methods with swine DNA contradicts the Shariah and are thus deemed to be Haram (non-Halal). The same fatwa also stated that the use or application of swine DNA in the biotechnological processing of products, food and drinks are not permissible since

the current situation on resources does not classify as a state of emergency. This is because there are still many alternatives to choose from the readily available resources. Therefore, referring to this fatwa, GM-based food, drinks or products are fit and lawful for the consumption of Muslims. There is no doubt that the science and technology of GM is a gift from Allah the Almighty, seeing that it would not have been successful if not permitted by Him. In a discussion on GM held by scholars from three academies of Shariah (who met in Morocco, Saudi Arabia and India), the key question for them was whether or not humans have taken on the power of creation through GM. The outcomes of the discussion were that the power of creation belongs only to the Almighty, thus the thought is that science should not create things, but it should make understandable the facts of the creation of the Almighty. These scholars see cloning as a miracle made possible by the Almighty, and if successful, it is with the consent of the Almighty. Therefore, there is no change in the birth of the creation; the only difference is in the methods of fertilisation. Thus, it is still then an act of the Almighty, who is the creator of all things (Source: Cloning in the Right of Shariah by Qazi Mujahidul Islam Qasmi). A point to consider is the intention and purpose of conducting a specific research, in this case, GMOs. Human beings as the viceroy (khalifah) of the earth have taken the responsibility of looking after the earth – the environment, the people, the creatures and other inhabitants of the planet. In order

Other reasons for controversy are labelling and consumer choice, intellectual property rights, ethical and social development concerns, food security and environmental conservation. 40 THE HALAL JOURNAL

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to do so, we should make the effort to seek knowledge for the sole reason of the betterment of the world and everything that goes with it, now and for the future. Islamic scholars themselves said that research in the field of science and specifically cloning and GM should be restricted so that it becomes a means of betterment for the world, not a cause of chaos and disturbance, and it should not result in suffering for animals and the environment. The question now is how efficient is GM technology in preserving the environment and the sustenance of human beings? The concept of Tayyib covers every aspect of all things pure, wholesome, ethical and good. This concept is significant when dealing with issues concerning the long-term impacts of GM technology on the environment – if any – and fears about the safety of GM crops for human health, as well as ethical issues.

he prime reason for using gene technology in agriculture is to continue to improve and increase the quality and yield of the production – on which we all depend – in more environmentally sustainable ways. Apart from that, crops and animals are also being modified to produce new and safer sources of food, feed and fibre, and to ease the burden on the poor or alleviating global hunger. As mentioned in the above, GM technology can be considered as Tayyib, but then again, has it really served its purpose? Only then can it be deemed as Tayyib. What are the risks, most people may ask. Environmentally, the potential long-term risks may include the existence of mutant creatures, such as insects or weeds that are more resistant to pesticides or herbicides, which will then result in more use of chemicals in agriculture. Recent studies have found that farmers in the United States (US) and Argentina growing GM crops have substantially increased their use of pesticides and herbicides as conventional farmers. This is probably because GM crops that are designed to be resistant to herbicides and pesticides, can withstand the amount of these chemicals used, resulting in higher toxicity levels in the products. Then there is also the issue of genetic pollution, which involves pollination of GM pollen by wind, rain, birds, bees, and insect pollinators into adjoining fields. This will cause the contamination of the DNA of crops grown by either organic or conventional farmers, to produce a crossbreed between non-GM and GM crops. An occurrence of genetic pollution in an organic farm in Texas has been reported, whereby crops had been contaminated with genetic drift from GM crops grown in a nearby farm. Another concern pertaining to GM technology is companies using rDNA technology as part of a strategy that makes farmers even more beholden to them with the creation of the “terminator gene”. The “terminator gene”, which was developed by Monsanto, a US-based agricultural company with focus on biotechnology, renders the seeds of one company’s patented plants sterile and prevents farmers from sowing next season’s crop from last season’s seeds. This product encourages monocropping (the practice of farming only one type of crop all year round), which will exhaust the land’s topsoil, which takes years to

The concept of Tayyib covers every aspect of all things pure, wholesome, ethical and good. This concept is significant when dealing with issues concerning the long-term impacts of GM technology on the environment, the safety of GM crops for human health, as well as ethical issues. build up. Depletion of the topsoil will cause infertility of the land to grow crops. At the same time, the terminator gene does not help lessen the burden on the poor, even more so alleviate global hunger. The reason being these farmers will not be able to practice seed-saving for the planting of crops the following season, and on top of that, they will have to spend more to buy seeds. There has been many cases and issues brought forth regarding the long-term effects of GM technology in agriculture to the environment, and those mentioned earlier are just to name a few. However, there have not been specific studies or observance to prove such effects from the application of GM in agriculture. Referring to safety issues concerning the human health, one of the many major concerns are allergic reactions and the transfer of antibiotic resistance markers, according to Professor Dr. rer. nat. Abd-ElAziem Farouk Gad, Coordinator of Biomolecular Engineering Research Unit of the Department of Biotechnology Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). Allergens may be present in GMOs for certain individuals who are allergic to the protein from DNA used to modify a certain organism. The simplest example will be the use of peanut genes to produce a GMO, which upon consumption, will cause allergic reactions to a person who is allergic to peanuts, thus causing complications of one’s health without knowing the cause of the reaction. Especially if one is not aware that the product contains traces of peanut because the product was not labelled to inform of it contents, in a GMO. This relates to the labelling of GM products, which relates to ethical matters, pertaining to GMOs. It is unethical of the manufacturers for

causing consumers to not know the content of the food or product they are consuming. Labelling of GM products will also allow consumers to decide for themselves whether to buy GM-based products. With GM labelling, countries can avoid from international trade complications, such as not being allowed to export or import products to or from countries actively involved in GM technology. On that note, whether or not GM-based products and the application itself in the agricultural sector, is questionable in accordance to the Tayyib concept. Did Islam not ask of us to eat the things that Allah swt has provided for us, that is Halal and Tayyib? This is a calling for all the Islamic scholars, and scientists and industry experts (be them Muslims or non-Muslims) to sit down and discuss the real potentials, risks and benefits of GM. With knowledge of the technology, Islamic scholars should then to come up with a fatwa regarding the practice and consumption of GM and GM-based products, in a holistic manner covering both the Halal and Tayyib aspects. Allah swt has provided us with the ability to think for ourselves, of what is good and what is not, thus rewarding us to be of the highest level of all creatures on earth. Therefore, we must seek for the answer that lies inside each of us, to be willing to look deeply and unflinchingly at our hearts, and to be able to look critically at our own beliefs, assumptions and behaviour, in accordance to Islamic teachings, to make a wise decision of whether or not to partake in GM or consume GM-based products. “You are more knowledgeable in your worldly affairs,” says the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) according to the hj Hadith by Imam bin Muslim. THE HALAL JOURNAL

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Introduction

THE PHILOSOPHY The Halal SuperHighway consists of three key components, namely: Halal integrity & market access, safety and security. The figure below shows an overview. The core of the Halal SuperHighway is Halal integrity and market access. Halal integrity refers to ensuring the Halal integrity of the supply chain from farm to fork, whereas market access refers to the access to the end market as well as sources for Halal ingredients and end-products. The Halal Superhighway is a trade & logistics solution to ensure effective Halal supply chains world-wide. Effective Halal supply chains add value in controlling time, place of the product, protecting product quality as well as its Halal status. Excellence in the Halal Supply Chain means that the product of the supply chain process is completely as desired, namely Halal (Tieman, 2006). Safety is an important feature of the Halal Superhighway that is embedded through tracking & tracing capabilities. This means that it should be possible to trace back the origin of the product to its source (preferably to the farm). On the other hand it should be able to trace back to the destination of the product as well as its route it has been travelling. The Halal Superhighway accepts different Halal Certifications as the Halal Superhighway is envisioned to facilitate the entire Halal Industry. Safety is therefore provided by making the Halal supply chain transparent. The Halal Superhighway has important security features. First of all this is due to the simplicity of the Halal Superhighway structure: checking of Halal Certification of the source (shipper)

Words By MARCO TIEMAN

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Source: © MIHAP Holdings Sdn Bhd

The Halal SuperHighway is an initiative championed by MIHAP Holdings Sdn Bhd, a private sector initiative in Malaysia, to develop critical logistics building blocks for the facilitation of Halal manufacturing and trade. This initiative started in 2006 with a design of the blueprint. Today the Halal SuperHighway team is searching for partners world wide to collaborate in this initiative. Later this year a ﬁrst pilot is being planned for cross border Halal goods ﬂows between Asia and Europe via sea as well as air. To facilitate global supply chains between continents, between countries and within a country, a dense network is required of participants. Therefore there is a need for partners worldwide to join the Halal SuperHighway to make this happen. This article will explain the basic concept of the Halal SuperHighway, the operations model, its components and the contribution it envisions to make for the Halal industry.

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THE HALAL SUPERHIGHWAY can provide an enormous contribution for the Halal industry, to ensure Halal integrity from Farm to Fork as well as stimulating the market mechanism of the Halal industry.

AN INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE

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as well as other certificates that are required (like HACCP, EUREP-GAP, Veterinary Certificate, Health Certificate, etc) before it enters the Halal Superhighway, monitoring during its trip over the Halal Superhighway, and update when it leaves the Halal Superhighway. Secondly, the Halal Superhighway is a global network of Halal Gateways. These gateways ensure proper Halal distribution facilities at important gateways and provide solid hinterland connections. Halal Parks on the other hand provide a location for production and value adding for the Halal Industry, that are linked to the Halal Superhighway. Finally, a standardisation of load carries better protects a product from crosscontamination during its journey to the end-customers. MODUS OPERANDI (METHOD OF OPERATION) The Halal SuperHighway combines process and technology. The Halal SuperHighway is neutral and will facilitate the integrity from farm to fork regardless of the Halal certificate, seaport, transporters and warehouses used. It presents a way for the Halal Industry to take control of their supply chains through visibility. The visibility is made possible by registration & verification of supply chain partners & product order information (virtual) and alignment of logistics standard operating procedures with the supply chain partners (physical). This means for example that Halal cargo gets a dedicated Halal Code, so that Halal shipments are being recognised throughout the supply chain. The Halal SuperHighway facilitates in event management in cases such as product recalls, integrity issues and trade conflicts. Suppliers with a poor track record in Halal integrity can be denied the access to the Halal SuperHighway. SERVING GLOBAL HALAL TRADE Currently in the Halal industry the market mechanism is not well developed and an imbalance can be observed in terms variety of products offered, shortage in supply

of Halal raw materials, ingredients and end products, and cross border Halal Integrity (Tieman, 2007). Both market access and Halal integrity of a supply chain can be addressed for a big part by The Halal SuperHighway. The Halal SuperHighway is an important platform for communication between markets, where buyers can find suppliers as well as suppliers can find attractive markets. A better communication and sharing of information provides a better insight into the global supply and demand, stimulating a better market mechanism. THE COMPONENTS OF THE HALAL SUPERHIGHWAY Key components of the Halal SuperHighway are the supply chain parties, namely suppliers of Halal raw materials and ingredients, manufacturers of Halal products and the retail & trade. Next to that the Halal certification bodies play an important role as the reference for Halal integrity. Thirdly, important facilitators of the supply chain are the logistics service providers, transport companies and transportation gateways (seaports and airports). This last category is critical from the Halal integrity perspective as these are physical activities where the Halal product undergoes various transportation, storage and physical handling processes in possibly different countries, with different Halal regulations as well as enforcement system. Therefore there is much interest by the partners in the Halal SuperHighway to develop common standard operation procedures in logistics. Joining the Halal SuperHigh has advantages for all parties. The manufacturer wants to maximise its range of markets at lowest total cost. The Halal SuperHighway contributes in creating market access (to source & end-markets), Halal integrity (trust) and transparency of the supply chain. Retail on the other

hand wants to sell their products to a maximum range of customers. The Halal SuperHighway contributes in creating market access (to source), Halal integrity (trust) and transparency of the supply chain. Traders want to be a significant player in the Halal industry and can use the Halal SuperHighway as their market place. The Halal Certification bodies play an important role in the Halal production, slaughtering, storage and possibly even other supply chain processes (logistics). The Halal SuperHighway enhances market access for Halal producers world-wide, which would result in an increase of certification activities in that particular country. The Gateways (sea and airports) play an important role in ensuring the Halal integrity of the hinterland connections for the Halal SuperHighway over the continents. Joining the Halal SuperHighway will give them volumes through their ports and a spin-off to their distri-parks. The transportation and logistics service providers offer transportation, storage and Value Added Logistics activities for the Halal Industry. They will benefit by the handling these cargos. CONTRIBUTION TO THE HALAL INDUSTRY The Halal SuperHighway can provide an enormous contribution for the Halal industry, to ensure Halal integrity from Farm to Fork as well as stimulating the market mechanism of the Halal industry. This is made possible through its physical and virtual characteristics of the Halal SuperHighway. With the formation of Halal industrial clusters in various parts of the world, trade and logistics traditional forms the cluster core of the cluster. The Halal SuperHighway can act as an important backbone to facilitate these global Halal goods flows. We would like to call upon the Halal industry, Halal certification bodies as well as the logistics industry to join forces to jointly build for a better tomorrow. hj References â&#x20AC;˘ Tieman, M. (2006), From Halal to Haram, The Halal Journal, November-December 2006 â&#x20AC;˘ Tieman, M. (2007), Cluster Applications for the Halal Industry, World Halal Forum, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), 7-8 May 2007.

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Consumer is the ﬁnal link in the food supply chain. In today’s competitive market, the objective of manufacturers, processors and retailers must correspond to the consumers’ demand, where a productoriented approach has slowly shifted to a more demand-oriented approach. The third Malaysian National Agricultural Policy (1998-2010) clearly states the use of this approach.

CONSUMERS’ TRUST in High Quality, Safe and Halal Food Products

he marketing environment and business operations have changed rapidly. Markets have become more global and technologically sophisticated. With intense competition and demanding consumers, food companies all over the world placed greater emphasis on service to instill trust or confidence from the consumers of their products. Trust is seen as crucial to successful buyer-seller relationship, which leads to higher levels of product’s loyalty and hence, increased profitability and ensures long-term product’s and company’s survival. THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSUMERS TRUST

In today’s globalised world, competitiveness necessitates product differentiation, which mainly consists of exploiting the diversity of consumer’s preference and purchasing behaviour by replacing cost and price-based competition by non-price competition. Thus, the element of ‘trust’ then becomes important. As in many cases, consumers are often uncertain about the level of Halal quality and safety of the food products that they purchase. Consumers are often willing to pay a premium price for products that have Halal assurance system, food quality and safety certification. With the high sensitivity of consumers towards Halal, quality and safety issues cannot be ignored. On the aspect of Halal, many cases in the past have shown examples that by ignoring the Halal aspect in the production process, consumers will stop purchasing and will shift to another product. When consumers already put their trust in certain products, the buyer-seller relations have become relational, not transactional. Consumers based their trust on written rules and standards and how effective the legislative and regulatory institutions are in enforcing these rules and standards. Trust is also dictated by general shared norms of behaviour and strengthened by social mechanisms.

In the UK for example, when consumers realised that the British government is perceived to have failed to protect the consumers from Mad Cow Disease or BSE infected meat products in late 2000, consumers quickly realised that retailers such as Tesco and Sainsbury are those which provide them with safe products. During that time, consumer’s trust for this retailer’s own labels has peaked. Quoting the statement of one British marketing director (cited from Lindgreen 2003): “People... are having enormous amount of trust in the retailer’s label, and trust (in the private labels from Tesco or Sainsbury) is a very important thing because they (the retailers) will rank higher in a lot of instances than major brands or manufacturers and are certainly higher than a lot of institutions or governments. Therefore, people probably trust Tesco more than they would trust the Church of England or certainly more than they would trust the government and so on.” THE LEVEL OF TRUST FOR HALAL, FOOD QUALITY AND SAFETY ASSURED PRODUCTS

In Malaysia and in some Asian countries, most of the actors within the food supply chain realise that

providing Halal assurance for food products with quality and safety accreditation is positive to instil consumer’s trust for their products. Therefore, they will purchase products, as much as they can, which have Halal, quality and safety accreditations. To get an insight on the purchasing behaviour of these industry players in the SouthEast Asian region, a field research involving about 750 respondents within the food industry, such as those from hotels, restaurants, fast-food chains, catering companies, manufacturers, importers, wholesalers and retailers have been conducted in several food exhibitions in Malaysia during the last two years. These respondents are those exhibitors and trade visitors where majority of them are directly or indirectly involved in the decision-making process in sourcing their demand for Halal food products. THE LEVEL OF TRUST IN FOOD SAFETY ACCREDITATION

Food safety accreditation can be achieved either through domestic (e.g. SIRIM for Malaysia) or international (e.g. BvQA, Llyod’s, UKAS, etc) food safety

Figure 1: The Level of Trust for Various Food Safety Accreditations

Source: Field Survey to Exhibitors and Trade Visitors in Several Food-Related Exhibitions in Malaysia; 2005-2007

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Advertorial

FARM’S BEST STREAMLINE PLANS TO CAPTURE GLOBAL HALAL MARKET

Farm’s Best Food Industries Sdn Bhd, Malaysia’s ﬁrst producer and processor of poultry food products to earn the ISO 9002, reveals an ambitious plan to not just become merely a poultry processor but is also shifting gears to become a major global food processor.

he company, which produces processed chicken products including frankfurters, burgers, nuggets, meatballs and breaded drummets, is also currently supplying to hotels, supermarkets, restaurants and fast food outlets. They also manage their own farm, hatchery and egg production. In a recent interview with The Halal Journal, general manager (marketing division) Edward Lim Jit Leong talks not just about their medium to long term goals, but also other topics including what Halal means to them and how the average Malaysian poultry producer compares to that of international competition. WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL DEFINITION OF HALAL AND HOW DOES THIS TRANSLATE INTO THE COMPANY’S OVERALL MISSION STATEMENT AND DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS? Halal, as applied to food, means food permitted under Syariah law. Farm’s Best products meet all the requirements as specified by Jakim, the certification body of all our products. We believe that Halal is in line with our business philosophy, as we ensure that, at all times, our products are produced in a hygienic and safe manufacturing environment, and our facilities are manned by trained and qualified personnel. Our supplies and finished products are stored in clean, secured designated areas that are free of contamination. HOW SIGNIFICANT IS THE FARM’S BEST CURRENT LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL MARKET? Farm’s Best as a brand in the local market is very well accepted and is significant enough to remain as one of the leading poultry brands over the years. As to the international market, we are working towards building the brand name specifically focusing towards the OIC countries. The challenges are to market research each country’s product needs and also working towards to complying with each country’s legislative import regulations.

TO YOUR KNOWLEDGE, HOW WOULD YOU COMPARE THE MALAYSIAN LOCAL POULTRY INDUSTRY WITH THAT OF OTHER DEVELOPED COUNTRIES SUCH AS THE US OR BRAZIL FOR INSTANCE? In terms of production standards and product qualities, we are compatible with the international standards. However, in terms of cost efficiency, the Malaysian poultry market suffers as the cost of production will be higher as compared to the US and Brazil and this is simply due to importation of raw materials for feed productions. But as far as food safety, rising costs of production and non tariff trade barriers are concerned, this affects everyone in the industry. And not forgetting the threat from Avian Influenza which has affected all poultry producers globally too.

CAN YOU SHARE THE COMPANY’S MEDIUM TO LONG TERM BUSINESS PLANS, INCLUDING HOW IT PLANS TO EXPAND THE LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL MARKET SHARE? The company aspires to go regional and to see our products sold within Asia. We would like to shift our operations from being merely a poultry processor to that of a food processor of global standard. We therefore have plans to expand our business towards fully cooked poultry products that meet international legislative standards to enable us to move towards the lucrative food business.

DOES THE COMPANY SET ASIDE A CERTAIN BUDGET FOR PRODUCT R&D AND IF YES, HOW OFTEN DO YOU RUN INDUSTRYACCREDITED TESTS FOR YOUR READY-TO-EAT (RTE) PRODUCTS? The company is flexible with regards to R&D expenditure. We have a dedicated team of qualified and well trained personnel who are conscious that the products we market are

both cost efficient and meet quality requirements. Procurement of raw materials is only from approved suppliers, who are able to provide the necessary documentation as proof of specifications. We routinely conduct inspections and carry out tests, as part of our Quality Assurance programme. WHAT ARE THE CURRENT COMPANY POLICIES REGARDING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND WHAT ARE THE EXISTING STEPS UNDERTAKEN BY FARM’S BEST IN THIS REGARD? Farm’s Best is a responsible company and has taken necessary steps to ensure that our manufacturing activities are not detrimental to the environment. Our waste materials are collected and held only in specified locations where the necessary measures such as prevention of ground seepage, pest harbourage, or deterioration are in place. Our by-products are processed into fertilisers at our Rendering plant, and waste water is processed through a state of the art Waste Water Treatment plant before discharge. To ensure strict compliance to the set procedures, these activities are monitored regularly as part of our Quality Assurance programme. hj

THE HALAL JOURNAL

certification bodies. However, there are existing food safety standards, which are designed internally for the company’s own needs and products. In a general survey, 46.6% of the respondents said that international certification bodies give them the trust and comfort for food safety accreditation. 42.1% of the respondents said that they trust domestic food safety accreditation and only 11.3% of the respondents trust internal food safety programme which is normally implemented in specific food companies or food chain. Among the various actors in food supply chains, fast-food chains (65.4%) and hotels (59.4%) have the highest level of trust to international food safety certification bodies (Figure 1). This is mainly due to the fact that hotels and fast-food chains are part of a larger international group, and the decision for food safety accreditation is normally centralised and must be the same wherever they operate.

Figure 2: The Level of Trust for Various Halal Certifications in Malaysia Source: Field Survey to Exhibitors and Trade Visitors in Several Food-Related Exhibitions in Malaysia; 2005-2007

Figure 3: Preferences in Purchasing Decision for Halal, Quality & Safety Certified Foods Compared to Non Certified Food Products Source: Field Survey to Exhibitors and Trade Visitors in Several Food-Related Exhibitions in Malaysia; 2005-2007

THE LEVEL OF TRUST IN VARIOUS HALAL CERTIFICATIONS IN MALAYSIA

In Malaysia, the use of Halal logo is voluntary, not mandatory. In addition to that, manufacturers of Halal food can even apply their own Halal logo, provided their products are manufactured according to Shariah. This is regulated through the Trade Description Act. Therefore, in Malaysia, consumers may find Halal products bearing the company’s own Halal logo, Halal logo from the State Islamic Department (for example JAIS) as well as Halal logo from JAKIM. Compared to the others, Halal logo from JAKIM appears to be the most popular, providing the highest level of trust. On average, 80.1% of the respondents admitted that they have a higher level of trust in purchasing Halal food products with JAKIM’s Halal logo. On the other hand, only 4.6% of the respondents said that they have a higher level of trust from a company’s own Halal logo, without certification from either the State Islamic Department or JAKIM. Respondents from the hotel sub-sector have the highest level of trust for JAKIM’s Halal logo where 85.4% of the hoteliers admits to that. This was followed by food retailers, where 84,0% admitted that they have the highest level of trust for the Halal logo from JAKIM (Figure 2). TRUST AND PURCHASING PREFERENCES

Consumers’ trust is a dynamic and continuous process. The level of trust has a direct effect to purchasing preferences. Hence, certainly there are several elements that build consumer’s trust. As noted by Yee and Morris (2005), the six elements that build trust can be summarised as follows: Competence. Capability to supply food products free from health hazards to the parties in the food supply chain, and ability to meet the concerns of consumers regarding various issues such as environment and animal welfare; Credibility. Reputation and the scale of business activity; Reliability. Taking follow-up actions sincerely after consumers expressed concern about some issues; Integrity. Treating consumers fairly with equity and honesty; Benevolence. Caring for and acting in the interest

THE LEVEL OF TRUST HAS A DIRECT EFFECT TO PURCHASING PREFERENCES. of consumer demand and interests; Informative. Willing to provide consumers with unbiased, accurate and reliable information and advice regarding various issues and consumer’s concerns. When consumers or buyers have high level of trust for the Halal food products that they need with accreditation, quality and food safety, this will directly lead to purchasing decision. Among all the respondents who participated in the survey, 89.9% admitted that they will give preferences in purchasing decision for suppliers, which are able to provide certified Halal food, quality and safety products compared to food products without Halal, quality and safety certifications. Respondents from the hotel sub-sector gives the highest preference, where 96.7% said that they prefer product that are Halal, food quality and safety certified. As expected, fast-food chains

ranked second where 92.3% will give preferences for the above mentioned products (Figure 3). SUMMARY

Consumers trust is one major element in today’s globalised and competitive market. Trust is a dynamic process and cannot be built once or in a very short time. It is a relational marketing approach, based on competence, credibility, reliability, integrity, benevolence, and information. The higher the level of trust will directly and positively influence purchasing decision. In an increasingly intense competition, the aspect of Halal certification with assurance system in-place, as well as food quality and safety accreditations is something, which has already been a concern for players in the Halal food supply chain. The question now is how to maintain the integrity of the Halal food products, quality and food safety, which must be maintained at all times. hj

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��

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HACCP IMPLEMENTED

For trade enquiries, please contact: Telephone: +603 2170 0999, Fax: +603 2170 0888, Email: ayamdindings@mflour.com.my

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Australian Muslims Adamant That NO STUNNING is More Humane

BY SHAHIRAH ELAIZA WAN HASSAN

THE NATIONAL UMBRELLA ORGANIZATION for Muslims in Australia, the Australian Federation of Islamic Council (AFIC) is adamant that there is no need for a review of the current practice of ritual slaughter for Halal and Kosher, as there is no evidence to support that stunning before slaughter is in fact kinder to the animals as claimed by certain animal rights organisations. If ever there should be a review, the Australian government should actually verify against the use of stunning altogether as it has been proven that many animals fracture their skulls during the process of stunning and die before they can be slaughtered. Ikebal Patel, who is the Chairman of AFIC, is speaking in reference to the captive bolt stunning method used by many abattoirs in Australia. “This shows that the practice (of stunning) is far from acceptable, while on the other hand there is scientific research which shows that ritual slaughter by Muslims and the Jewish community, using a sharp knife, that within three seconds there is no pain,” he said, in reference to the famous Hanover study carried out by a team of scientist from the University of Hanover led by Prof. Wilhelm Shulze (read side story).

Animal welfare organisations such as RSPCA Australia and Animals Australia are locking horns with the Muslim and Jewish communities over the right to stun an animal before slaughter. The situation came about after a recent complaint made to the RSCPA regarding Midfield Meats, a leading Halal meat abattoir in the region, for breaching the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act by slaughtering their livestock without prior stunning as required by Australian law. They feel that the act of slaughtering without stunning is “unconscionable” as it causes

unnecessary pain and suffering to the animal. The Muslim and Jewish communities are challenging such allegations by asserting that stunning increases, rather than reduces an animal’s suffering. Ikebal also took a swipe at the double standards practiced by the animal rights movements and urged the federal government to also show equal commitment to animal welfare by gauging public sentiments to events such as the running of the bull in Spain, or other forms of animal sports like the Australian horse racing industry and the grey hound racing fraternity.

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“Halal and Kosher slaughter are for useful purposes of food consumption and economic trade. The inherent virtues of each should also be open to public scrutiny, as well as the animal welfare issues of live animal export trade, which should also be part of the debate,” said Ikebal. In most cases of Halal slaughtering, the livestock are stunned beforehand but the highly lucrative Middle East market does not accept this as a process of Halal and as a contract supplier to that specific market, Midfield Meats must adhere to their Halal standards and requirements. Midfield Meats and three other Victorian domestic abattoirs claimed to have made previous arrangements with

the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) to allow them to carry out this “traditional” method of Halal slaughter on their premises. To settle the row between animal rights groups and Halal and Kosher meat producers, Federal Agriculture Minister, Peter McGauran plans to initiate a scientific review, as well as a review of standards under which abattoirs operate for Halal and Kosher slaughter. “We’ll look at whether or not the science proves or establishes that it’s a cruel and inhumane practice, and whether or not the standard overseeing abattoirs should be changed,” he said. He also states that while he does not have the power to stop the practice while the review is

In most cases of Halal slaughtering, the livestock are stunned beforehand but the highly lucrative Middle East market does not accept this as a process of Halal and as a contract supplier to that specific market. being done, he is able to halt any new approvals for the time being. Many believe that the battlelines have been drawn as McGauran says his final decision following the review will be guided by public opinion. He believes that the public always decides these matters and the outcome will be very much what are considered as community standards. “They will listen to the science on this issue and we’ll take a guide from them in making a final determination,” he said.

Ikebal remarked that what the Australian Muslims and Jews were seeking was nothing more than being allowed to carry on with their religious requirements within the bounds of the present legislation. “And if this in fact supports the Australian economy in the areas of export meat trade, then surely it will be in the interest of the Australian people to support this, especially if this was backed up by scientific studies which helped in taking out the emotion of animal cruelty out of the debate,” he concludes.

No Stunning Cases Case In Point # 1:

THE HANOVER STUDY, AS PUBLISHED IN THE GERMAN VETERINARY WEEKLY, VOLUME 85 (1978), PAGES 62-66. W. SCHULZE, H. SCHULTZE-PETZOLD, A.S HAZEM & R. GROSS A group of German scientists headed by Professor Wilhelm Shulze, et al from the University of Hanover in Germany have examined the claims put forward by concerned animal welfare organisations through the use of Electroencephalography (EEG) and Electrocardiography (ECG) results during the act of Halal and non-Halal slaughtering. In the study, several electrodes were surgically implanted at various points of the skull of the animals used in the experiment, which were then were allowed a couple of weeks to recover. Some of the animals were subsequently slaughtered the Halal way by making a swift, deep incision on the neck region with a sharp knife. This meant cutting the jugular veins and carotid arteries of both sides together with the trachea and esophagus but leaving the spinal cord intact. The remaining animals were stunned with a captive bolt before slaughter using the captive bolt pistol method which is customary practice in Western slaughterhouses. The EEG and ECG recordings allowed the scientists to monitor the condition of the brain and heart throughout. Results from the Halal method of slaughter showed that there were no changes in the EEG graph for the first three seconds after the incision was made, indicating that the animal did not feel any pain from the cut itself. The following three seconds were defined by a condition of deep sleep-like consciousness brought about by the draining of large quantities of blood from the body. After that, the EEG recorded a zero reading which means there was no trace of pain found even

though at the time the heart was still beating and the body was convulsing vigorously as a reflex reaction of the spinal cord. This is the phase most onlookers without proper understanding of the scientific findings would be falsely convinced of the animal’s state of suffering. At this point, the animal’s brain no longer records any messages from the body’s sensory system.

Case In Point # 2:

2006 GERMAN CONSTITUTIONAL COURT RULING On 23 November 2006, the judges of Germany’s federal administrative tribunal rejected the demands of animal rights groups to outlaw Halal slaughtering under the basis of a previous German court ruling in 2002 by the German Constitutional Court that protects Halal slaughtering under religious freedom. It was a great triumph, at least for a single Muslim butcher, Rustem Altinkupe, who had been allowed to carry out Halal slaughter between 1988 and 1995 but was denied his right to perform this method of slaughter by a 1995 court ruling. He fought that decision with a case which has presented before the Constitutional Court by arguing that the expertise statement was dated in the 1980s when Muslim abattoirs were nonexistent in Germany. He won the case under the basis that Federal Constitutional Law (BVG) grants minorities the right to live according to their faith amongst themselves if they otherwise observe the law, as well as the right to freely exercise their chosen profession or trade. Germany’s legislation on cruelty of animals says warmblooded animals must be anasthetised, usually by electrical stunning before the slaughter itself, but allows exemptions under religious rules such as Halal or Kosher slaughter.

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Photo by Helmut Artmeier

Halal Demand Growing in Taiwan

Muslims in Taiwan are exerting their demand for Halal food and the government is understandably receptive judging from the burgeoning size of the global Halal industry and what it can do for the country’s economy, and vice versa. BY HARIZ KAMAL

SITUATED OFF the southeast coast of China and separated from the Chinese mainland by the Taiwanese Straits, Muslims in Taiwan account for only 2.5 per cent of the 22.56 million population with the majority adhering to Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. Despite the relatively small percentage of Muslims, the large global Halal industry is too attractive commercially to be ignored by the Taiwanese government who fully supports further developments of the local Halal industry. According to Mr. Salahuding Ma Chao-Yen, Chairman of the Taipei Grand Mosque - one of the main Halal certifiers in Taiwan, the Taiwanese government are welcoming any collaboration with any country to help develop the Halal industry in Taiwan. “Although the level of understanding of what

constitutes Halal is still relatively low at the ministerial level, they are definitely interested in any Halal-related businesses and joint ventures,” said Chao-Yen when met by The Halal Journal during The Food Taipei 2007 recently. Being minorities, Taiwanese Muslims have banded together and formed several organisations to help resolve issues within their own community, from special custom needs to Islamic religious practices as well as Halal certification. There are two main Islamic organisations in Taiwan - the Chinese Muslim Youth League and the Chinese Muslim Association (CMA). Between the two, CMA is the more active organisation and is made up of representatives of five mosques in and around Taipei, including that of the Taipei Grand Mosque, which also acts as the organisation’s headquarters. Built in 1960 and

now a religious heritage site, the Taipei Grand Mosque along with another mosque - the Tai Chung Mosque located south of Taiwan, are the country’s two leading Halal certifiers. There are six mosques in total throughout Taiwan – in Kaohsiung, Tai Chung, Longgong, Grand Taipei, Tainan and Ling Kong. Kaohsiung City in the south is the most densely populated area, followed by Taipei in the north and Taichung in central Taiwan. Almost 70 per cent of Taiwan’s population is concentrated within metropolitan areas. As the case with many other countries, there is a need to increase awareness amongst the Taiwanese Muslims about Halal, not confining it to just meat or other food-related items, according to Mr. Isa Chao Si-Hung, coordinator for the Halal certification affairs of the Taipei Grand Mosque. Besides increasing awareness on Halal, they must

also work actively to improve training on Halal, “and to set up proper training programmes to produce quality workforce for Halal,” added Isa Chao. Crucial training areas include Halal slaughter procedures, logistical handling as well as packaging to better safeguard the Halal supply value chain. He reasoned that this would not only provide an impetus for the country to tap the lucrative global Halal market, but could also help Taiwan diversify its economy from being too dependent on foreign trade, which currently constitutes over 80 per cent of their GNP. For the record, Taiwan lacks of any natural resources and has a relatively small domestic market. But they are good tradesmen; known to be the world’s sixteenth largest trading nation and have to date accumulated a foreign exchange reserve of US$253.3 billion, the third highest in the world. Some experts however predict that Taiwan may see some of their local industries severely affected by their accession into WTO in early 2002, especially those that rely heavily on domestic market. These include the automobile industry, heavy machineries, home electrical appliances and a few other less competitive traditional industries. To maintain steady growth, the government is pushing for more technology driven industries by demanding no less than 10 per cent growth of their annual R&D budget while encouraging the private sector to invest more in R&D and other related activities. This would definitely augur well with the overall aim to further develop the technological aspects of Halal within a country committed to advancement.

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Hong Kong

Wooing Muslim Tourists

BY HARIZ KAMAL

AFTER BEING HIT HARD by the 1997/98 Asian financial crisis, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region have suffered several additional blows when the H5N1 avian influenza surfaced that same year, as well as being hit by the 2001/02 recession and the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) which took hold of Hong Kong in the first half of 2003. Today however, its economy has bounced back, led largely by the interest in tourism. With the transfer of sovereignty in 1997 making travel from mainland China much easier, along with the completion of various projects and attractions such as the new Hong Kong International Airport in 1998, Hong Kong Disneyland in 2005, the Wetlands Park in 2006, and most recently, the cable car ride in Lantau Island, tourism has since become a major contributor to Hong Kong’s economy. According to the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), the territory had received 13.03 million visitors in the first six months of 2007, a jump of 6.8 per cent over the corresponding period last year. Encouragingly enough however, Hong Kong has also seen increased enquiries for Muslim travel packages, particularly from Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. A total of 450,000 Malaysian tourists visited Hong Kong last year, making Malaysia among the top three South-east Asian markets for the destination. For the first five months of 2007 alone, there were 173,000 visitors from Malaysia, of which a substantial portion comprised of Muslims.

The HKTB, along with Cathay Pacific have also recently organised an informative workshop addressing questions concerning Halal cuisines. “The 173,000 figure is about 10% more than the figure for the same corresponding period of 2006,” said HKTB regional director (South/ Southeast Asia) David Leung. “We expect a single digit growth in Malaysian visitors to Hong Kong for the second half of this year,” he said. Within the region, HKTB has also set its sights on tapping the Muslim markets in Indonesia and Singapore. HKTB’s South-east Asia marketing manager, Linda Tan added, “Singapore may be a smaller market, but there are affluent and middle-class Muslim travellers there.” Armed with this realisation, HKTB have recently announced that they are providing more Halal food options for Muslim travellers to the territory, as well as promoting 28 Halal food outlets and vegetarian restaurants featuring Indian, Chinese, Egyptian, Western, as well as Malaysian cuisines. The HKTB, along with Cathay Pacific have also recently organised an informative workshop addressing questions concerning Halal cuisines. The workshop included representatives from the Islamic Council of Hong Kong and other Hong Kong travel partners and hotels. Further highlighting the fact that Halal food has become an important factor within Hong Kong tourism is HKTB’s undergoing process of updating its brochures targeted more distinctively at Muslim travellers as well as introducing a new

guide book for Muslim travellers in Hong Kong. To be launched in October this year, the book contains information and addresses of all the Halal certified restaurants in Hong Kong as well as information of the interesting tourism sites. The guidebook would be made available at travel agents and airline companies throughout the region. For a non-Muslim nation known for its myriad eating habits, ensuring the Halal aspect of foods can be a bit tricky. These concerns were promptly addressed by an official from Hong Kong’s Kowloon Mosque, Imam Mohamed Abdul Kader Suaibu Noohu, who said each food item would be checked and referred to the Hong Kong Islamic Council for clarification if there was any doubt. “The person who is in charge of the kitchen should be a Muslim or else we will not issue the Halal certificate,” he said. “A Halal restaurant also cannot serve alcoholic drinks or beer. When an applicant meets the criteria, a logo is issued together with a Halal restaurant certificate”. To bolster confidence, the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong will only issue the official logo and the Halal certificate after scrutinising the restaurants and their sources of food supply. Only food establishments approved by the Trustee as having met either or both Halal criteria will be submitted to the Hong Kong Tourism Board for uploading into its website. A Halal Restaurant certificate is stricter than the Halal Food certificate as it ensures the restaurants meet the essence of Halal in all aspects such as no alcoholic drinks or placing effigies or other religious statues within their premises.

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fast track | AMERICAS

Canada Comes in From the Cold A New player in the Halal Export Market

Halal consumers around the world can expect to see a lot more Canadian products on the shelves within the next few years now the federal government have expressed their interest to support the newly created Canadian Halal Exporters Alliance (CHEA) - a national non profit organisation representing local Halal producers and exporters across Canada. BY KAMARUL AZNAM KAMARUZAMAN AND SALAMA EVANS

David Hunter (right) with Falah Alizzi, category manager for Maple Lodge Zabiha Halal during their visit to Malaysia en-route to Brunei.

SPEAKING FROM THE SIDELINES of the recent Brunei Halal Conference and Expo, David Hunter, executive director of CHEA, said that the confirmation of support from the Ministry of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is not only timely, but also crucial for the industry to push for penetration of Canadian Halal products into the lucrative global Halal markets. Aside from financial assistance, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has also agreed to share with CHEA their research and intelligence findings compiled over many years. These include competitive information of other nations in terms of size, distribution and consumption; even shipping information into many markets

around the world. “Now they are opening up those books to us and sharing all that information,” said Mr. Hunter. He also mentioned the assistance to train their own CHEA members, to fully understand the Halal markets worldwide. The final assistance, he reckons, is from a marketing perspective. “Once we’re there, they will assist us in becoming more established in those markets. Our first focus will be the Asian

markets, and we’ll expand from there,” he said. “But it is still early days. Right now, we’re still in the planning stages and then we’ll slowly move into those markets, with their assistance.” “Halal has been growing larger and larger in Canada to a point where we started asking ourselves, ‘What is the next opportunity?’ With a little look at the international community, we realised there’s a whole big market internationally,” he said. Based on this realisation,

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A N I N V I TAT I O N T O J O I N

THE INTERNATIONAL HALAL INTEGRITY ALLIANCE (IHI ALLIANCE) IS AN INTERNATIONAL, NON-PROFIT INITIATIVE CREATED TO REPRESENT THE INTERNATIONAL HALAL INDUSTRY PLAYERS WITH ONE DEFINITIVE VOICE. THE IHI ALLIANCE’S MISSION IS TO STRENGTHEN THE HALAL MARKET AND UPHOLD THE INTEGRITY OF HALAL FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL. THE IHI ALLIANCE WILL INITIALLY FOCUS ON 3 MAIN PROGRAMS: TO INCREASE AWARENESS ON THE BENEFITS OF THE HALAL CONCEPT TO BUILD CONSENSUS AND FIND WAYS TO DEVELOP THE HALAL INDUSTRY FOR THE BENEFIT OF ITS MEMBERS AND CONSUMERS AT LARGE TO ESTABLISH GUIDELINES TO UPHOLD HALAL INTEGRITY THROUGH ALLIANCE NETWORK THE IHI ALLIANCE IS NOW INVITING COMPANIES, ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS WITH CERTAIN EXPERTISE TO JOIN AS IHI MEMBERS AND HELP BUILD A STRONGER AND ROBUST GLOBAL HALAL INDUSTRY. LOOKING FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU AS PART OF THE ALLIANCE TO HELP STRENGTHEN THE HALAL MARKET.

For more membership details including benefits, categories and fees, please log on to www.ihialliance.org or email to info@ihialliance.org

fast track | AMERICAS

CHEA was conceptualised to provide a vehicle for Canadian Halal exporters to collectively penetrate the international market. As an alliance of industry members and players, it can also double up as a vehicle for the government to channel information and knowledge to local Canadian Halal producers. Hunter added, “We have industry associations focused on different sectors but for those companies wanting to be involved in Halal, there is no place for them to get the relevant information and support.” And the relationship is mutual, with the government also needing an organisation to feed and obtain industry information from. “This is something that has been due for a long time. In fact, when we came to see the government officials, they said ‘Ah…finally!’” he recalls. Currently, CHEA is comprised of only a few founding members, as they look to establish the board. Once the board is in place they will provide the information and education necessary to begin the process of marketing. “Then of course, we will start to bring in more members. But it’s still really very early days. We have only just received the government’s commitment, and all this still needs to be worked out. But I’m sure everybody wants to be part of success,” he added. To achieve their stated objectives, the alliance’s first strategy will be to understand and share information amongst key players. “We have to first understand what are the consumer wants and needs, who are the competitors in those markets, what is the marketing plan to go into those markets, how will the packaging be done, and also, of course, how will it be branded,” he said, as a veteran in this field with his company BrandTrust. To significantly improve

“This is something that has been due for a long time. In fact, when we came to see the government officials, they said ‘Ah…finally!’” he recalls. their presence in the international market, CHEA are also considering the use of a single logo as a brand name - the traditional red maple leaf with “Halal Canada” inscribed below on all of their products, in addition to the Halal certification logo from Islamic agencies. “We need to put our source mark, more like country of origin labelling,” he said. With the recent confirmation of Agri-Food’s support, Hunter reckons that the Canadian government now fully recognises the growing global Halal market. Although Canada is regarded as one of the world’s biggest exporters of food, the government realises that they have not realised their potential for Halal certified products. He thinks one of the biggest reasons for this is the lack of understanding of the Muslim markets they are targeting to penetrate, both locally and overseas. According to him, one of the ideal markets to penetrate would be Dubai. “It’s a large distribution hub, for both the local market and for redirecting to other Muslim countries, such as Iran, Pakistan, India, and Central Asia. But this, I would say, would require a bit of experimentation to find out what levels of success we could achieve,” he said. Quietly though, he is already projecting the level of success they could possibly

achieve through CHEA and the government’s commitment. “If you look at exports of Canadian agriculture, we are probably third or fourth in so many categories. But in terms of export of Halal products into Islamic markets, I think we’re probably listed 14th or 15th.” “I believe we have the potential to close that gap and actually become one of the biggest exporters of Halal meats to the world, because we have quality and we have knowledge,” he said. He added that Halal is part education and part experience. “When we have done those two things, the gap may close, and we may, I repeat, we may, become one of the biggest producers (of Halal) in the world.” Mr Hunter is largely regarded as the person responsible for turning one of the first Canadian Halal poultry producers, Maple Lodge Farms, into a dominant Halal brand. Working to understand the market better, Hunter initiated a comprehensive market study to first understand the market itself - who are the buyers, where are they located, basically finding out what the problems were for the growing Muslim community in Canada. “Like any marketing, you need to understand the community you’re marketing to. With Halal it was a little bit unique because it is also mixing with religious beliefs,” he said. What they discovered

through their research was that there were a lot of people who were interested in buying Halal food, but it was very difficult for them to do so. This also included Halal restaurant outlets looking for reliable Halal meat suppliers. “What we discovered was fairly basic – that the Muslim women would have to shop at three or four stores to get all of their food shopping, whereas somebody who was not a Muslim could shop at one place to get everything they needed. This made no sense - why should that be the case?” he added. Based on this startling finding, he and the team at Maple Lodge worked using all the basic principles of marketing, or the 4 Ps of marketing – product, place, price and promotion. They even changed the label colours, and the brand name to Zabiha Halal, to better reflect the essence of the product, and to differentiate it from the other Maple Lodge Farms product range. “We thought it was important for Muslims to know that their product is a good product, and that it meets the requirements of Islam,” he said. Taking stock of what they learned in the process of re-branding and pushing of the Maple Lodge Zabihah Halal product range into the mainstream market, David Hunter hopes to be able to replicate that success, this time not just by being exclusive to the Halal poultry industry, but also to include all sectors of the Halal industry, from meat to Halal gelatine for supplements in the pharmaceutical industry. He concluded by saying, “We think there is a bright future ahead for Canadian producers and the CHEA looks forward to informing them of the opportunities available in the Halal marketplace for their products, and introducing the Halal Canada brand to the world.”

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MARKET POTENTIAL & EXPORT STRATEGY OF HALAL FOOD PRODUCT FOR THE GLOBAL MARKET 9 SEPTEMBER 2007 9.00AM – 4.00PM JUPITER 16, IMPACT CHALLENGER, NONTHABURI, THAILAND Entrance : RM 380 / THB 4000 (Seats are limited on a ﬁrst-come, ﬁrst serve basis)

Why Yo u S h ou ld At te nd This workshop will be discussing 5 major issues concerning Thailand Food & Exporters: Market Characteristics & Demand Potential Consumer Taste, Preference & Perception on Halal Marketing Systems & Distribution Channels Import Regulations & Procedures in the Middle East Tariﬀ & Non- Tariﬀ Barriers

Wh o S ho u l d At te n d Thai companies who have gained approval to export to the MiddleEast Companies/Parties interested to penetrate the Middle East market Academicians / Researchers / Industry Associations / Consultants

www.halaljournal.com

www.kasehdia.com

country in focus

More than just a market

UAE IS GATEWAY TO MIDEAST FOOD TRADE Words By TONG YEE SIONG

UAE’s pro-business climate and strategic geographical location make it an ideal gateway to the Gulf market.

lush with petrodollars, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been making headlines in recent years as it went on a shopping spree. The most famous purchase was perhaps last year’s attempt by DP World, a UAE-based company, to buy a British firm that operated several ports in America. It created so much public outcry in the US that only abated when DP World agreed to sell the American operations to an American-owned firm to assuage concerns over national security. The UAE is a federation which consists of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras alKhaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain. Of these, the largest is the emirate of Abu Dhabi which contains the nation’s capital city, Abu Dhabi. With a population of slightly over four million, the UAE’s economic power seems disproportionately large. Consider this: the UAE has a per capita income of close to US$25,000 – on par with western European level. In fact, the country is said to wield such high purchasing power that satellite television, top-grade stereos and computers are standard appliances in three-quarters of its households. WELL-OILED ECONOMY The prosperity of the UAE and its rapid transformation from a backward desert region to one with a booming economy has been made possible by revenue from oil exports. Oil and gas production has been the mainstay of the economy in the UAE and will remain a major revenue earner long into the future. According to official data, proven recoverable oil reserves are currently put at 98.2 billion barrels or 9.5 per cent of the global crude oil proven reserves. As for natural gas, the proven recoverable reserves are estimated currently at 5.8 billion cubic metres or 4 per cent of the world total. This means the UAE possesses the third largest natural gas reserves in the region and the fourth largest in the world. At the current rate of utilisation, and excluding any new discoveries, these reserves will last for over 150 years. The UAE exports 62 per cent of its crude oil to Japan and gas exports are almost entirely to Japan. Downstream development of refineries, petrochemical plants and other related industries is increasingly creating an integrated oil and

gas sector, equivalent to that of industrialised nations. As a central part of UAE efforts to move away from crude oil exports, major plans are under way to construct new refineries and increase the capacity of existing ones. In May, as part of an effort to give the world a new crude-oil pricing benchmark, the Dubai Mercantile Exchange launched its Middle East “sour” crude futures contract as an alternative to the bellwether New York and London contracts for the black gold of Texas and the North Sea. The launch came as supporters said it was time to build a more robust market around the world’s most plentiful source of oil.

DIVERSIFICATION Despite the predominant role played by oil and gas in the economy, the UAE has been trying to pay more attention to non-oil sectors as well. A massive construction boom, an expanding manufacturing base and a thriving services sector are helping the UAE diversify its economy. Nationwide, there is currently US$350 billion worth of active construction projects. The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority – which controls the investments of Abu Dhabi, the wealthiest emirate – manages an estimated US$360 billion in overseas investments and has become an important foreign exchange earner. Numerous free trade zones established in the country are also contributing enormously to the value of exports. The most wellknown of these free zones is the Jebel Ali Free Zone in Dubai. Established in 1985, the Jebel Ali Free Zone reported 2,200 companies in 2003, an increase of 500 companies in over five years. The zone’s main allure is the 100 percent foreign ownership allowance with no restrictions on the repatriation of capital. Its most significant exports are machinery, mechanical supplies and electrical supplies. A major power plant with associated water desalination units, an aluminium smelter, and a steel fabrication unit are prominent facilities in the Jebel Ali complex. The complex is currently undergoing continuous expansion, with sections of land set aside for different sectors of industry. A report by Emirates Industrial Bank (EIB) issued in 1999 ranks the UAE as the third

Once agricultural goods are shipped, there is a quick off-loading of vessels and buyers pay exporters on time. Few trade or import barriers exist. IN FACT, THE IMPORT TARIFF ON NEARLY ALL FOOD PRODUCTS IS ZERO. 60 THE HALAL JOURNAL

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4th Kuala Lumpur Islamic Finance Forum (KLIFF2007) “ Towards Innovation and Sustainable Growth ”

• 19 - 22 November 2007 • Hotel Nikko Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Main Highlights KLIFF 2007

Interactive Pre & Post Forum Workshops

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WORKSHOP A: Islamic Finance - Principles & Applications

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Date: 19 November 2007 (Monday) Time: 9.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.

WORKSHOP B: Sukuk : Structuring & Issuing

Date: 22 November 2007 (Thursday) Time: 9.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.

WORKSHOP KSH KSHOP KSHO SHO SHOP HOP HOP OP C: C: Islamic Islami Islam Isla slamic lamic lam amic mic icc Structu St Structur SStru Struc truct tructured uct uctured ctur ture tured ured red ed d Products Pr Prod Prod Produc odu oducts du ucts u ctts & Derivative cts Derivativ De D Deri errivvaative erivative atiive Structured Date: Da Date Date: te:: 22 22 November Nove Nov N No Novem Novemb ovem ve em e ember mbe m mb ber be err 2 200 20 2007 0 007 07 7 (Thu (Th (Thursday) (Thursday Thu urrsd ursday) daay)) Tim T Time: ime: e: 2.30 2 2.3 30 3 0 p.m. p.m p m. – 6.30 6. 6 30 0p p.m. m. m

g Organised byy

In Collaboration With

Supported by

Supporting Partner

Media Partners

Malaysia - The International Islamic Financial Centre

BUSINESS

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Kuala Lumpur Islamic Finance Forum (KLIFF 2007) KLIFF Muzakarah for Shariah Advisors of Islamic Finance KLIFF Islamic Finance Award KLIFF Essay Competition in Islamic Finance Pre & Post-Forum Workshops

www.Islamica-me.com

For more information please contact: Cert Events Sdn. Bhd. (665109-H) Zarina/Hafiz/Ana (Secretariat) Tel : (+603) 41081439 Fax : (+603) 41061549 Email : zarina@cert.com.my or ana@cert.com.my Website: www.cert.com.my

www.kliff2007.com

country in focus most important re-export centre in the world, after Hong Kong and Singapore. Re-export trade forms a substantial one-third of the entire trading sector in the UAE, according to the government statistics. GOOD INFRASTRUCTURE MAKES GOOD GATEWAY The UAE is becoming the Gulf Arab’s major transhipment hub. Apart from its pro-business climate, the strategic geographical location, in particular, has made the UAE an ideal gateway to the Gulf region, Africa, the Indian Subcontinent and the states of the former Soviet Union. Additionally, Western agricultural exporters have always found the UAE’s infrastructure to be excellent – the roads, banking facilities and telecommunications are all top notch. Together, the twin terminals of Jebel Ali and Port Rashid, the UAE’s largest port inaugurated in 1979, have ranked among the world’s ten busiest ports for several years running. Even though the UAE is a small market compared to countries such as Japan or China, it is a growing market for Western high-value or consumer-oriented goods. These products are shipped to Dubai, home of the largest port facilities in the Gulf, and then re-exported to other countries. It’s also a market for bulk and intermediate goods such as vegetable oils that are further refined, packed in consumer-sized containers and re-exported to other countries. Buyers in the UAE region have a good reputation among exporters. Once agricultural goods are shipped, there is a quick off-loading of vessels and buyers pay exporters on time. Few trade or import barriers exist. In fact, the import tariff on nearly all food products is zero. Enormous opportunities definitely await those who have solid business plans to capitalise upon the UAE’s advantaged position. For the Arab region as a whole, the Council of the Arab Common Market released its forecast in 2006 of the expected gap between demand and what is available in food product supply. By 2010, the gap will widen to 61 million tonnes, including the need for 28 million

tonnes of flour, seven million tonnes of sugar, five million tonnes of edible oils, 15 million tonnes of meat, and seven million tonnes of milk and dairy products. LUCRATIVE DOMESTIC MARKET The UAE’s agricultural development has been well documented. From a situation of subsistence farming in the early 1970s, the food sector has grown rapidly to become one of the most sophisticated in the region. In the past 30 years, the country’s population has increased more than tenfold and agricultural production has kept pace with this growth. The country is selfsufficient in salad crops and poultry for much of the year and even exports fruits and vegetables to Europe. But make no mistake about the UAE’s market potential – it is truly a shoppers’ haven. AC Nielsen figures estimate some 492 million cumulative person-hours are spent annually by UAE residents in hypermarkets and supermarkets alone. And Dubai has four times the shopping area per capita compared with the US. Retail, and food retailing in particular, is economically important and highly competitive. In 1995, French retail giant Carrefour acquired its first store in Dubai, thereby bringing the “hypermarket” concept to the Middle East. For the next six years, Carrefour essentially had free rein up until 2001 when the first Géant, from the French-owned Groupe Casino, opened in Bahrain. Since then, Géantbranded hypermarkets have opened in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Dubai.

The UAE foodservice market alone was worth US$4.36 billion in 2004, and is conservatively predicted to grow at 11 per cent a year through 2007. In addition to the UAE resident population’s considerable expenditures in this sector, latest economic studies estimate total spending by tourists will reach US$7.6 billion in 2009, which is expected to be the highest consumption rate in the Gulf Cooperation Council. Hotels alone account for 17 per cent of total foodservice expenditure. And things are about to get better: Dubai has set a target of attracting 10 million tourists in 2010. As a result of more people traveling to the UAE, Western-style eating trends that are common in Europe and the United States have long developed in the UAE. Demand among young people for Western-style foods is particularly notable. Still, in recent years, Asian cuisine is fast gaining popularity. On an expenditure basis, restaurants are the largest foodservice channel, closely followed by street outlets such as lunch bars and coffee shops, then hotels and ship chandlers. One in every four UAE adult is believed to be affected by diabetes according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). This rate is among the highest for a country in the world. WHO has also estimated UAE youths to be two or three times more obese than the international standard, and the link between being overweight and diabetes is generally unquestioned. This unfortunate situation does, however, present a number of opportunities for food makers who can come up with specialty products aimed specifically at hj this particular segment.

AC Nielsen figures estimate some 492 million cumulative person-hours are spent annually by UAE residents in hypermarkets and supermarkets alone. AND DUBAI HAS FOUR TIMES THE SHOPPING AREA PER CAPITA COMPARED WITH THE US. 62 THE HALAL JOURNAL

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islamic finance This first of a two-part article will begin to examine what is currently brewing in the sphere of Islamic finance and capital markets on the island; while the second article will probe into the challenges, prospects and to what extent Singapore’s seriousness would affect other issuers of Islamic finance within the region.

Islamic Finance Hub for Singapore: PART 1

VISION OR REALITY?

Singapore’s well-publicised desire to become an Islamic ﬁnance hub in Asia appears to be moving forward. Views sourced from various quarters – from regulatory authorities to investors and academics to the general public – all seemed to agree that this can materialise.

here are some evidence of progress judging from recent moves made by Singapore towards becoming a regional Islamic finance hub - certain banks from the Middle East have established offices on the island, regulations are being put in place to facilitate a level playing field for industry players, preparations are under way in providing the industry with a supply of trained manpower, as well as setting up a knowledge database in this vibrant industry. Notably, China and India, two new giant economies in Asia, are providing fuel to the Asian growth story and this has been particularly noticeable and has attracted the Arab investors’ attention. Asia as a whole, is posing as a strong contender in the race for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)’s liquidity. Within an environment of generally improving market conditions, stable interest rate and the potentially higher and more attractive yield on investments, the Gulf’s petro dollars are making a beeline into the region. The Singapore government wants to ensure that the nation is not left behind in this contest, given that the city state has carved a strong reputation as an international financial centre with its full suite of financial services. The authority’s stance is for financial players (both conventional and Islamic) not to be inhibited from introducing Islamic finance products in Singapore, what with Islamic finance becoming an increasingly essential component within the international financial system. It’s no secret that Singapore seemed eager to develop itself as the Asian gateway for GCC Islamic funds. Due to its central position in the heart of Asia, the government believes that the city state can act as the gateway between two of the most dynamic regions in the world today – the Middle East and Asia. They realised that the ingredients to this secret recipe are two: ample liquidity and investment

prospects, with both having huge potential for professional management in conventional and Islamic funds. Singapore has also seen doubledigit growth in the amount of funds sourced from the Middle East where asset management is concerned. To meet the increased demand from Middle Eastern investors for Asian investment products, an increasing number of Singaporebased international banks have been offering Islamic structured and financial products, including Murabahah investment products and Shariah compliant mutual funds. After receiving a full banking license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), the Islamic Bank Asia (IB Asia) was launched on 7 May 2007. DBS, which has an initial 60 per cent interest in IB Asia, have announced that they will continue to be the majority shareholder with no less than 50 per cent plus one share on any future capital injection. The remaining stake is held by 22 other Middle Eastern investors from prominent families and industrial groups within the GCC. IB Asia is currently

Words By ANNA EL-RASHID

capitalised at US$418 million but will soon increase to US$500 million. The nod from the Singapore authority is not a surprise says many industry observers, given that DBS has, in the past two years or so, been making its presence felt within the Arab world via landmark equity IPOs and securitisations. It was also one of the few Asian banks to have received a full banking license from the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). IB Asia’s strategy is to be an innovative Islamic bank with strategic positions across the Middle East and Asia, focussing on commercial banking, corporate finance, capital markets and private banking services. This is aimed to fulfil the needs of both the Muslim and non-Muslim investors. Confidence in IB Asia would stem from DBS’ partners in the Middle East, the majority of who are prominent merchant families, as well as the stature of its four Shariah Board members: Sh. Nizam Mohammad Saleh Yaqouby, Sh. Dr. Mohamed Ali Elgari, Dr. Abdul Sattar Abdul Kareem Abu Ghuddah and Dr. Mohd Daud Bakar. IB Asia’s chief executive officer, Vince Cook, pointed, “Asian companies, together with the rest of the world, are beginning to take notice of the Middle East. Islamic banking is

64 THE HALAL JOURNAL

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islamic finance growing at a much faster rate than conventional banking in the GCC: between 2001 to 2005, total assets of GCC Islamic banks grew at an annual rate of 18 per cent compared to the growth of 11 per cent enjoyed by the GCC’s conventional banks.” With 82 per cent of the world’s total Islamic banking assets – or US$84 billion – held by these GCC Islamic banks (2005), it is without doubt that nations across the globe are scrambling to have in place a financial services system that provide products acceptable by Muslims. Vince further reveals that the total foreign direct investment in the GCC countries amounted to US$20 billion in 2005, up an explosive 60 per cent from the previous year. Likewise, Middle

playing field between Islamic and conventional financing. Goods and Services Tax (GST) applications on some Islamic products have also been clarified. According to deputy managing director of MAS, Teo Swee Lian, given Singapore’s stature as an international financial centre and its effort to harmonise conventional and Islamic financial services, it must be ensured that Islamic financial players are not inhibited from introducing any Islamic finance products in Singapore. To show he’s seriousness, the Finance Ministry has announced several changes to the local regulatory framework since 2005, including the waiving of double stamp duties in Islamic transactions involving real

regulation, supervision, tax and market access, MAS is believed to have in place a business framework that encourages innovation while maintaining high standards. Singapore has also achieved a high stature in the world of finance, with the country maintaining its position as the fourth largest forex trading centre internationally and the main offshore loan syndication centre in Asia. This is elemental in its competitiveness in the arena of international finance. MAS has also joined as a full member of the Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) and it is currently part of the IFSB Supervisory Review Process Working Group, as well as the IFSB Islamic Money Market Taskforce. Under these

In conclusion, the opinions gathered from players currently involved in different segments of the industry all appear to converge on Singapore’s capability to rise up to the challenge of competing for the status of an important Islamic finance hub in Asia. Eastern investors, seeking new growth areas other than Europe and the US, are impressed by Asia’s success story and are more than happy to put their money into the region. The new Islamic bank is pinning on its “unique advantages” to help achieve this goal: that their shareholding structure is said to be “more strategic” at tapping into the Middle Eastern investors’ vast network of GCC contacts with DBS’ product creation and distribution capabilities in Asia; as well as a highly regarded Shariah board and headquarters in a well-regulated financial hub. On the subject of regulation in Singapore, the most important body influencing the Islamic finance industry is MAS, which is currently working in concert with the industry to constantly review its tax and regulatory framework to ensure a level

estates; and the accordance of the same concessionary tax treatment on income from Islamic bonds that are afforded to conventional bonds, which will provide opportunities for banks in Singapore to encourage local and foreign issuers to issue Sukuk. According to Teo, MAS have also worked on levelling the playing field for Islamic transactions, given that the nature and structure of Islamic financial products tend to attract more tax than their conventional counterparts. Effective 12 June 2006, all banks in Singapore have been allowed to take Murabahah investments and offer Murabahah financing. MAS have exempted Murabahah investments from the restriction against non-financial activities. MAS have also reviewed the tax treatment in Singapore for Islamic transactions. Surely in areas such as

workgroups, MAS is working closely with other Islamic finance supervisors and regulators to ensure the continued support and promotion of Islamic finance growth globally. In the areas of training and education, there have also been activities to equip local professionals within the realm of Islamic finance and banking. The Singapore Polytechnic via its School of Business recently launched a Training and Research Centre for Islamic Finance, in collaboration with the Glohex Groups. V. Maheantharan, the director of School of Business at Singapore Polytechnic, reveals that within the next academic year, his faculty plans to introduce general elective modules in Islamic finance for its students in the Banking and Financial Services course. This will equip students with knowledge in Islamic finance

when they join the banking and finance industry after graduation and also provide trained manpower for the industry. In a rapidly changing environment, research and development are vital to the Islamic finance industry, and knowledge of these requirements leads to the other objective of the Training and Research Centre for Islamic Finance. More importantly, research and development is to focus on the structuring of Islamic finance instruments. In this respect, according to Maheantharan, the Training and Research Centre plans to work towards coming up with innovative Islamic financial instruments that are permissible under Shariah law and are attractive and competitive vis-à-vis conventional financing. This availability of a spectrum of Islamic financial instruments which businesses can use is a critical success factor for the growth of the Islamic banking and finance industry in Singapore. The Centre also aims to help the financial industry by being a nucleus for Islamic finance knowledge. Compilation of opinions from various schools of thoughts on Islamic finance issues will for a knowledge database aimed to provide valuable information for Islamic finance practitioners. In conclusion, the opinions gathered from players currently involved in different segments of the industry all appear to converge on Singapore’s capability to rise up to the challenge of competing for the status of an important Islamic finance hub in Asia. From Islamic banking practitioners, the regulatory authority to the academicians, all seem to be enthusiastic about the latest developments in Islamic banking and finance in the city state. The second part however, will delve into the challenges, prospects and how Singapore measures up against other Islamic finance hj issuers within the region. THE HALAL JOURNAL

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Islamic finance update

COMPILED BY HARIZ KAMAL

“While customer pull, replication mentality and the doctrine of necessity “Dharura” have so far been the main drivers for growth, innovation is required to shift from Sharia-compliant products to SHARIA-BASED solutions,”

ISLAMIC FINANCE FIRMS URGED TO MAKE INNOVATION A PRIORITY

An Islamic finance expert yesterday called on Islamic financial institutions to make innovation a priority in order to take Islamic banking to new heights. HSBC Amanah regional head Asif Mumtz told delegates at an industry workshop in Dubai that freshthinking was needed as Islamic finance shifts from a niche to become a mainstream segment in the global financial landscape. “While customer pull, replication mentality and the doctrine of necessity “Dharura” have so far been the main drivers for growth, innovation is required to shift from Sharia-compliant products to Sharia-based solutions,” he said. “There is a pressing need for a proactive regulatory framework to pave the way for enhanced and innovative offerings by Islamic finance. In this respect, proactive dialogue between regulators and practitioners is of utmost importance with a view to codifying Sharia principles that are applicable to Islamic transactions. Standardisation remains a key challenge that needs to be addressed,” he added. |SOURCE: GULF DAILY NEWS, 12/08/07

ASSET-BACKED ISLAMIC BONDS ‘SET TO SURGE’ The issuing of asset-backed Islamic bonds is likely to surge in the Gulf as

growing assets and new laws allow many of the region’s rapidly expanding firms to borrow more cheaply, Moody’s Investors Service said. To date, most Islamic bonds, or sukuk, have been asset-based - returns are derived from underlying assets to comply with Islam’s ban on interest. However, noteholders only have recourse to the borrower, not the assets, in case of a default. In the case of asset-backed or securitised bonds, including sukuk, the noteholder has recourse to the assets, potentially making the debt more attractive, lowering the cost of borrowing. “Conventional and Islamic securitised debt is likely to grow significantly,” Moody’s Middle East and Islamic finance analyst Faisal Hijazi said. “Islamic finance is particularly suited to securitisation. In the securitisation world you always have recourse to assets, and this is one of the key points in Islamic finance.”

CIMB ISLAMIC TOPS OVERALL SUKUK BOOKRUNNER

CIMB Islamic Bank Bhd is the world’s overall top bookrunner of sukuk (Islamic bonds), with total sukuk issuance of US$3.15 billion (RM10.9 billion), according to the London-based Islamic Finance Information Service (IFIS). In a statement yesterday, it said CIMB Islamic also topped the domestic sukuk market with sukuk issuance of US$2.87 billion, while Deutsche Bank led the international sukuk bookrunners league with sukuk issuance of US$951.85 million. In its sukuk market report for the first half of 2007, it said the global sukuk market hit an all-time high with market value totalling US$24.5 billion in the first half of 2007, a 75% growth over the previous year. Commenting on IFIS’ report, CIMB Islamic chief executive officer Badlisyah Abdul Ghani said: “This report is very good. I am happy that the distinction between international issuance and domestic issuance has been done. “It clearly identifies the lack of domestic market in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) as a growth prospect. IFIS has again shown its strong developmental value proposition to the industry.” |SOURCE: WWW.THEEDGEDAILY.COM, 08/08/07

MALAYSIA TO ALLOW ALL BANKS TO CONDUCT ISLAMIC BANKING IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES

HONG KONG WANTS TO LEARN ISLAMIC FINANCE FROM MALAYSIA The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is keen to learn more about Islamic

finance, which has a market potential worth “trillions of dollars”, from Malaysia, its financial secretary John Tsang Chun-wah said. Islamic finance would also help to widen the range of financial services available in Hong Kong, he said. “We have not done that before and given the liquidity in this area, it will be a real attractive addition to the whole arsenal of instruments that we have,” he said at a media briefing here yesterday. On the market for Islamic finance in Hong Kong, Tsang said it was not limited to Muslims and had also attracted the interests of many non-Muslims. “At the end of the day, people are looking at the return. If the return is good and it is an attractive package, it will be good for anyone to invest in this area,” he added.

Malaysia will ease its rules to allow all banks to conduct Islamic banking business in foreign currencies, the central bank said Tuesday. Non-Islamic commercial banks and investment banks licensed by the government will now be allowed to do Islamic banking business as the country aims to position itself as a global hub for the sector, Bank Negara Governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz said in a statement. “We want and aim to develop Malaysia into a centre for the origination, distribution and trading of sukuks (Islamic bonds) to provide further impetus to the development of an increasingly vibrant and progressive bond market in Malaysia as well as in the Asian region,” Zeti said. Malaysia has the world’s largest Islamic bond market, accounting for about 47 billion US dollars or two-thirds of the total Islamic bonds outstanding worldwide. Malaysia’s Islamic finance industry is worth 38 billion dollars in assets ranging from stocks and insurance to home loans and pawn-broking. Islamic banking assets also make up over 12 percent of total bank assets, the central bank said.

|SOURCE: WWW.THEEDGEDAILY.COM, 07/08/07

|SOURCE: THOMSON FINANCIAL, 14/08/07

|SOURCE: GULF DAILY NEWS, 16/08/07

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SEPT+OCT

2007

HALAL EDUCATION JOURNEY TO SIEM RIEP, CAMBODIA CINNAMON’S DELIGHT GIRLS OF RIYADH MISS UNDASTOOD AFRICA ON DISPLAY

Kids Are Learnin’ Educating Muslim children seems to be all about hellfire. We have forgotten the goodness of our religion and we perpetuate the myth that by promising doom and gloom, will we raise morally upright Muslims.

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Photos by Scol22, Rodolfo Clix & Ivan Philipov

cover story

As an observant aunt of a nephew who attends an Islamic kindergarden, and as someone who studied Children’s Literature, I find that books for Malaysian children veer from the very expensive but very well crafted and written, to poorly produced and condescending. Words By DINA ZAMAN

or the parents who are familiar with the world of Beatrix Potter, Enid Blyton, the Hardy Boys, they may find themselves expressing utter dismay at the books sold to children now. While there are the usual fairy tales for young children as well as readers for young children about to read, there’s the plethora of ‘tween’ and teen books obsessed with prom nights, boys, girls, dating. During my time, it was Sweet Valley High which captured the hearts and imaginations of young women on the cusp of womanhood. It is only later when I dissected the book for a college paper that I realised how familiar and yet distant the two worlds were: the fictional but rah-rah world of cheerleaders and jocks, and the real: that of a Muslim young girl with frizzy hair trying to make sense of her new world after Fifth Form. Granted, none of these sophisticated books ever derailed me into a life of hedonism, but it got me thinking about

books for Muslim kids. The few I have seen are lovely, but they catered to the pre-schooler. Unless I am blind, I have yet to see a Sweet Valley High for young Muslimahs, but I can imagine the high moral ground a writer may take when writing one, for puberty is something many Muslim adults feel squeamish talking about! If I’m a teenager today who loves books, I’d appreciate good books about people my age, which deals with the angst of a heartbreak, sibling and school rivalry, and falling in love. I’d also appreciate books which tell me how to achieve my ambitions. However, having seen some rather questionable teen-books written by local writers, whose sole goal seems to pollute a young girl’s mind, and that life is about being a good girl, and love from a worthy Muslim is all she has to attain, I wonder. I really wonder. Books which speak to young children to college going kids can change

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their mindsets, for the worse or better. I cannot speak for other young Muslims abroad, but I am sure they have more access to good books. Here, I question myself when I see young girls reading Malay books which are all about love. Our young men hardly read, so there is also a fear of not transferring good halal knowledge to them. Then there’s the programmes for kids. I’m not a fan of television and if I do watch it, it’s for the news, interspersed with many cartoons. My nephew controls the television when he is in our home (for at his home, he is not allowed to watch tv!). I have not seen any cartoon or television programme geared for the Muslim child. I have a number of friends in television production who are trying to address this gap, but again, the stories are solely for Muslim children’s consumption. How does one then spread the gospel of Allah and His teachings if the shows are Muslim-centric? If I have the backers, I’d create a television show for children that is about Islamic values which really are universal, but none of the moralising, and saccharine sweetness that goes into children’s shows which is designed to promote values. Children enjoy bizarre and demented humour, and surprisingly are able to gauge values from shows that may be seen as too surreal or loud. Look at Sesame Street – the characters that parade throughout the show may seem of an alternative sexuality or too crazy (Bart and Ernie, the Cookie Monster) are a hit with the kids. Values and teachings cannot be forced down the throats of children, especially on television. They absorb positive values through entertainment and humour. And the crazier the character is, the more children identify with it. Yet such personalities can persuade children to do no wrong, to respect all Allah’s creations…

Why? W hy? ? y Wh ? Why

Why?

They absorb positive values through entertainment and humour. And the CRAZIER the character is, the MORE children IDENTIFY with it. Of course, parents, mentors and teachers must also have a sense of humour when it comes to teaching children. Kids do ask the strangest of questions! How does a parent then educate his or her child about halal values? I am piqued by that only because my nephew asked a question the other day. We were watching Charlotte’s Web, which is a film about a friendly pig living on a farm. As we all know, pork and anything swine is a no-no for Muslims. I remember telling him that only on television and books could he ‘like’ piglets, but in real life, he was not to touch or consume it. “Why?” “Because it’s haram.” “What’s haram?” “If Allah says no, it means haram. Bad. Not good.” “But piggy is cute.” Now we laugh at his cuteness. However he had a point. The pig in the film was cute, but as someone older than he, I had to tell him that it was not a kosher animal to like. Between a monitor lizard

and a talking piglet, which one would you choose? I am also a believer in simplicity. When one tries very hard to instil teachings and morals in a tiny picture book, the poor wee tot will probably glaze over and not be interested. There is this book we had bought for my nephew which was all about Allah’s greatness, but the content was meant more for the thinking adult! And that book was geared towards 5 year olds! Even the illustrations in the book were mature. That was RM85 down the drain. Educating Muslim children seems to be all about hellfire. We have forgotten the goodness of our religion and we perpetuate the myth that by promising doom and gloom, will we raise morally upright Muslims. But in these challenging times, we need to do more than just scold the kids and beat them into submission. We need to realise that having fun, being empathic and understanding 21st century challenges go a long way in children’s education. Isolating them from the world will hj only worsen the situation.

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journey

FOR A UNIQUE HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE, BART AUGUST SUGGESTS YOU LOOK NO FURTHER THAN SIEM REAP IN CAMBODIA.

Old World Charm

t’s no secret among discerning travellers and holiday goers that Siem Reap is one of the main travel destinations in Asia. Due to its diverse history, ancient temples, rich landscape and not to mention the growing number of airlines that have begun flying into the region, Siem Reap promises tourists a unique and memorable getaway. Nestled in between rice paddies and the Siem Reap River lies the small provincial town of Siem Reap. Located just mere kilometres from the international airport, the town serves as the gateway to old temple ruins of the Khmer Empire, known the world over as the Angkor Archaeological Park.

Designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Angkor Archaeological Park encompasses dozens of temple ruins including the Bayon Temple, Banteay Srey, Angkor Thom and the legendary Angkor Wat. The temples of the Angkor Archaeological Park have been visited by tourists for over a century. Entrance to the park is priced at USD20 per person for a full day entry or USD60 for a three day pass that will allow you more than ample time to explore and discover the temples of Angkor. Although the Angkor is the main attraction of Siem Reap it should also be noted that the town is also famous for another natural attraction, Cambodia’s Great Lake, the Boeung Tonle Sap.

One of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia (a reported 12,000km2 during the wet season), the Tonle Sap is home to more than a 100 varieties of waterbirds, 200 species of fish, crocodiles, turtles, snakes and macaques. In addition to having a rich diverse eco-system, Cambodia’s Great Lake is also home to thousands of villagers who have made their home around the fringes of the lake via floating villages and towering stilted houses. The country’s floating villages are also one of the attractions of the country as it showcases the vast teeming life around the great lake and how the villagers have adapted to the lake’s waterways and used its abundant wildlife as

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Travel Note

CAMBODIA’S CULINARY ESCAPADES For many, journeying to a foreign destination is just not complete without having tasted the local cuisine. Cambodia is obviously no different, as it is known as a culinary paradise due to its traditional Khmer style of cooking, which is primarily Cambodian cuisine mixed with numerous elements of Chinese and Vietnamese cooking. And like Vietnam, Cambodia also boasts a healthy French influence in its cuisine, most prominently seen by the many vendors selling freshly baked baguettes on the street daily. There are two Halal restaurants in Siem Reap that advertise themselves as Halal. They are Maharajah Royal Indian Cuisine (Location: Next to Pub Street, between Provincial Hospital & CAB Bank, Old Market area www.maharajah.biz) and D’Wau Restaurant (address: No, 0426, Wat Bo Village, Sala Kamroeuk Commune). Fish and rice are a main a staple in Cambodia and one of the main dishes that should be tried is the Amok Fish; a non-spicy santan based fish curry and young Papaya salad. Desserts include sticky rice cakes and pudding. WHERE TO STAY Siem Reap offers a wide range of accommodation choices for travellers ranging from affordable guesthouses to 5-star resorts. TRAVEL TIPS Despite having their own currency in the Riel, the US Dollar is still the main currency used in Cambodia. The main mode of transport is the tuk-tuk, a modified moped with a carriage fitted to the back. The local tuk-tuks can be found everywhere and they offer convenient and affordable means of transport in and around Siem Reap. The weather in Cambodia is hot and sunny almost all year round, so do carry sun block, lip gloss, shades and a cap with you at all times and drink loads of water.

Nestled in between rice paddies and the Siem Reap River lies the small provincial town of Siem Reap.

a means of commercial resource. Tours on the great lake can be arranged via local tour operators. Charges begin from USD15 including transport and boat ride. Although the centuries old Angkor Wat and the Tonle Sap stand as the main tourist attractions, that doesn’t mean however that there is nothing else to do in this town. There are still many attractions to whet the appetite of travellers such as taking in a dinner performance of the traditional Khmer Cultural ‘Apsara’ dance. There’s also an opportunity to visit and witness the unique ways of how local art pieces, carvings and sculptures are still created with a visit to the ChantiersEscoles-les Artisans d’ Angkor, a

French funded handicraft school where the authentic age old methods of traditional Khmer craft are thought and maintained. Like all tourists hubs, Siem Reap is also no different when it comes to being a vibrant tourist town. Modern hotels and architectures are seen sprouting up all over the town as with numerous restaurants offering a wide range of cuisine from all over the world. Colonial buildings are thankfully still maintained especially around the Psar Chas (pub street area) where a number of buildings have been converted into guesthouses, restaurants, pubs and bars, offering tourists a different spin on Siem Reap once the sun sets in the evening. hj THE HALAL JOURNAL LIVING

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browsing

Compiled by Farah Natasha Azlan

Restaurant Review

Cinnamon Coffee House ONE WORLD HOTEL, PETALING JAYA First Avenue, Bandar Utama City Centre, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia Tel: +603 7681 1111 Fax: +603 7681 1188 www.oneworldhotel.com.my Nestled in the newly established One World Hotel in Bandar Utama, Kuala Lumpur is Cinnamon, the hotel’s coffee house, which is located just a floor below the main lobby. This stylish and sumptuous eatery is also deemed as one of the first Malaysian hotel restaurants to have a Halal certified kitchen by JAKIM. The restaurant portrays itself to be highly accommodating, having a garden terrace for al fresco dining just outside the restaurant. The gentility of this contemporary restaurant is offset by the wide variety of tasteful delicacies being served. Dining in Cinnamon is most definitely an experience in comfort and design, not only with its exclusive ambience, but also with its extensive breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets. Along with the thoughtful touches in service where your needs are graciously anticipated, you cannot help but feel welcomed, almost instantaneously. Both Asian and Western cuisines grace the menu here, where the choice of a meal from the buffet table, as well as the open kitchen with live-cooking concept makes it a feast for both the eye and the palate. One may begin with some salad servings or tiny entrees and progress to sushi, mini pizzas or the more popular Asian dishes like satay, as well as the self-service steamboat. To finish, there is a scrumptious array of desserts, and local kueh, or a healthy selection of fruits. These can be dipped in the infamous chocolate fountain that will undeniably leave you craving for more! On the other hand, the reasonably priced a la carte menu is definitely tagged “safe to savour” if you do not feel the urge to fully indulge in the buffet delicacies. From the starters to the dining favourites such as the highly recommended lamb chops or steamed cod, you will be left feeling impressed and satisfied with their creative presentation and tasty sauces. The children’s a la carte menu is not only appealing but also colourful, a surefire way to keep the kids glued to their seats. All in all, Cinnamon is an ideal place for all occasions, from business lunches to social gatherings to treating the family to some really good food. BUFFET PRICE LISTINGS: Breakfast: RM 42 ++ Lunch: RM 68 ++ Dinner: RM 80 ++ Please note that alcohol is on the beverage menu.

Website Review

ummahfilms.com

Just by looking at the name of the website address, www.ummahfilms.com, the word ‘films’ would definitely leave you curious and make you want to know more on what this website has to offer. The very idea of making video blogs discussing the many topics regarding Islam makes this website fit into the category of adapting to a newer genre that best fits today’s modern audience. Although one may not favour the casual tone and modern touch of this website, it has to be acknowledged that its creative presentational approach has, without a doubt, attracted the attention of many. Ummah Films is a Muslim company that aims to offer “Halal entertainment” to both Muslims and non-Muslims alike. According to the people behind the production of Ummah Films, the website’s main objective is to “reach out to the masses who usually do not attend lectures at the mosques to learn about Islam”,

other than having the opportunity to also cater to the English-speaking countries and educate them on the true wonders of Islam than what it may be perceived to be. The video clips in seasons 1 and 2 of “The Reminder” shown on the website are often linked to everyday experiences and they prove to be not only informative, but also generously humorous. One of the company’s popular video clips entitled “$25,000 Muslim Wedding” proved a big hit that it was not at all surprising when it won first prize in the MuslimFest Festival held this year in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Therefore, if you ever feel like knowing a little more about Islam and having a laugh at the same time, this is definitely a website worth browsing through. Laughter, after all, is the best medicine. But whoever said humour was not a good tool for better education too?

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browsing

Book Review

Music Review

Miss Undastood

The name of this young, veiled African-American rapper arose after having confessed that “people didn’t understand her” due to the fact that all her songs were written based solely on Islam from the age of 18. Her first album recorded back in 2002, “Muslimas with Attitude”, was well received by both Muslim and non-Muslim youths alike. The delicacy, whimsy and utter selflessness of songs like “Shine Your Light” and “Best Names” are most likely to grasp the hearts and attentions of the listeners today. The most “attractive” aspect of it all however, is the manner in which the album title so accurately describes her brilliant mind.

LIFE IS AN OPEN SECRET

GIRLS OF RIYADH

BY ZABRINA ABU BAKAR PUBLISHER: WISE WORDS PUBLISHING ISBN: 978-983-43538-0-3

BY RAJAA ALSANEA PUBLISHER: PENGUIN GROUP ISBN: 978-1-905-49021-9

“Life is an Open Secret” is a compact motivational book consisting of nineteen short chapters, or in this case “secrets”, based on the reality of life challenges. Throughout the book, Zabrina A. Bakar’s short stories, all told in simple and conversational form, move along at a good pace, with a different chapter representing a different “challenge” in life. Each story like, “The Story of a Boomerang”, is amusingly described in a tone that suggests the story itself, with its numerous rhetorical implementations that ultimately gives the readers something to think about. This ambitious book ostensibly holds no barriers to limiting its readers. The language used is of simple syntax and so clear, that it appeals even more to the younger audience, also due to its fair amount of graphology to captivate one’s eye as you progress along. “Life is an Open Secret”, short though it is, undoubtedly feels like a work where the author has managed to capture the living challenges that we, ourselves, face today and “it can make a difference in the life of anyone who takes the time to read and reflect on this most timely piece of advice and inspiration,” according to some critics. It is a book that is truly satisfying and complete within itself, making it an entertaining read.

Simply put, “Girls of Riyadh” is a book that is written so deeply personal with such exhilarating and moving moments that it is impossible not to get caught up in all the actions. Although the novel comes up as being expressed too vivaciously at times, it fortunately does not persist. An ambitious odyssey taken by the author Rajaa Alsanea to convey this heartrending novel, which reveals four Saudi women making their own life-changing choices and dealing with the ever-so-often grim consequences that follows. The narrator’s style of writing is rendered “chatty and demotic in English” and is “one of those rare books with the power to shake up an entranced society”, according to some. Known to be not an overtly political novel, it blends a mixture of both cultural and sociological issues. Although this book is considered somewhat clichéd, it is established to be the work of an intelligent and brave young woman as she gives us this exceptional opportunity to take a glimpse into the world apprehended to be dominated by state laws and strict family customs. Conversely, it unmistakably portrays “love and lust, men and money” and not to mention it being “a taboo-breaking, bestselling tale of sex and the city”, according to the Daily Telegraph. After a read through, one would certainly not beg to differ.

From the very first song up to the last, she manages to embed an uncompromising yet powerful and meaningful message in each and every one. Most revealingly, she has surely defined herself to be a future revolutionary and dynamic female icon of the Islamic hip-hop world with more classic-reminiscent West Coast beats and clever rap than ever before, making her album extremely worth a listen. Her songs, bearing many positive attributes, may possibly encourage the nexus between the beliefs of others and of this true New Yorker. In the eyes of today’s generation, this skillful rapper is most definitely not misunderstood. THE HALAL JOURNAL LIVING

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on display AS A TRIBUTE TO OUR RECENT TRIP TO JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, WE PRESENT HEREWITH FIVE OF THE HALAL-CERTIFIED PRODUCTS WE FOUND VERY INTERESTING AND FULL OF POTENTIAL. Iqlas Foodís Snack Pack

What would you do if 10 of your best friends suddenly knocks on the door and decides to stay for dinner? With Iqlas Foodís Snack Pack, the problem is solved. Consisting of 10 delicious springrolls, 10 succulent meatballs and 10 crispy samoosas, this is by far one of the best snacking ideas yet. Not enough? Then get their Party Pack, consisting of 10 mini pies, 10 mini pizzas and 10 sausage rolls, a surefire way to fill the stomachs of those 10 uninvited friends in a jiffy. This SANHA certified product is available at all premium retail outlets in South Africa. Log on to www.iqlaasfoods.co.za for more info.

Salad Farm Gourmet

Huberto’s Premium Ice Cream

The brainchild of Huberto Stempowski, master ice cream maker and founder of the Dulce Coffee Shop franchise, Huberto’s Ice Cream has acquired the enviable reputation of producing the best ice cream and giving the best service throughout Kwa-Zulu Natal area of South Africa. The product is exceptionally delicious and is backed by 20 years of international experience in the development of ice cream products. Available in tubs of ½, 1 and 1 ½ litre, Huberto’s Ice Cream are available in a variety of flavours and they are sugar free too. NIHT Halal certified, they can be found in all leading supermarket chains across South Africa. www.hubertos.co.za

Ever crave of some international flavour to spice up your traditional meals? Try Salad Farmís range of Tarama Salata, Hummus and Tahina. Nothing beats read-to-eat food enhancers, especially when its Halal status is ensured, and even more so when youíre not sure how to pronounce it. Tarama Salata, also known as Greek caviar, is a mix of roe of carp, mixed with home made mayonnaise and spices, eaten with pita bread or spread on sandwiches or savoury biscuits. Hummus is a creamy puree of chickpeas and tahini, or sesame seed paste, seasoned with lemon juice and garlic and is ideal own its own as a salad, or served with pita bread or sandwiches. Tahina meanwhile is a Middle Eastern paste made of sesame seeds and olive oil. Halal certified by SANHA, all of Salad Farm Gourmetís products are available at selected retail outlets near you.

Appletiser

A healthy, lightly carbonated refreshing apple drink, Appletiser is 100% pure pleasure and contains only three ingredients - concentrated apple juice, pure water and carbon dioxide. It contains no sugar, preservatives or colourants and is the perfect guilt-free indulgence. With its clear, golden champagne-like appearance, this crisp, thirstquenching indulgence is the perfect answer on a scorching hot day. Appletiser is pasteurised and has a shelf life of twelve months, but once opened, it won’t last very long. NIHT Halal certified, Appletiser is not yet available in Malaysia (get the hint?) Log on to www. appletiser.co.za for more info.

Illivo Sugarís Syrup

From the makers of South Africaís favourite syrup, the Illovo range of syrups has been trusted by generations of South African consumers, producing the finest quality syrups for use in cooking, baking, as a spread or even as a topping for your favourite dessert. Highly established, the Illivo group is also Africaís biggest sugar producer and has extensive agricultural and manufacturing operations in six African countries. Their range of products is Halal certified by SANHA. Check out www.illovosugar.com for details.

76 THE HALAL JOURNAL LIVING

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snapshots PROUD

The recipients of the 3rd Halal Food Guide Awards 2007/08, held at Carcosa Seri Negara on 21st August 2007.

Interesting From right, Tan Sri Lim

Kok Wing from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology and Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, Malaysian Tourism Minister thumbing the Halal Food Kuala Lumpur 2007/08 while Jumaatun Azmi, managing director of KasehDia Sdn Bhd looks on.

Foreign A Chinese official presenting a paper during the World Halal Forum Industry Dialogue Ning Xia. Point of Reference Tan Sri Dr. Syed Jalaluddin Syed Salim, Chairman of Halal Industry Development Corporation showing off The Halal Journal to some of the Chinese officials and dignitaries during the recent World Halal Forum Industry Dialogue Ning Xia.

Outstanding Mazlan Muhammad, managing director of MM Vitaoils Sdn Bhd receiving the Outstanding Entrepreneur Award by Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar during the recent Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Award 2007 organised by APEA 2007.

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THE 3RD

World Halal Forum 2008 World Halal Forum THE PREMIER GLOBAL HALAL INDUSTRY EVENT WHF 2008 The World Halal Forum is acknowledged as the foremost gathering of Halal industry leaders from all over the world, all converging in Kuala Lumpur every year to discuss issues within the global Halal industry. This makes it an excellent platform to share ideas, raise concerns and suggest opportunities so as to chart the future growth and development of the Halal industry. We therefore invite all individualS and corporationS to contribute to the development of the global Halal market by submitting proposed papers to be presented during the WHF 2008.

CALL FOR PAPERS Date: 12-13 May 2008 Venue: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaÂ Submission deadline: 15th March 2008 For more info, log on to www.worldhalalforum.org or call the WHF Secretariat at +6 03 6203 1025

parting words GREGARIOUS, FUNNY, OUTGOING, MODEST, EVEN NUTTY TO CERTAIN EXTEND. ONE THINGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FOR SURE, OUR MAN OF THE HOUR IS WITHOUT DOUBT, BRILLIANT.

Brilliantly SINCERE M

eet Professor Dr. Farouk Gad, winner of The Halal Journal Awards for Best Innovation in the Halal industry, just one in his long list of honours and awards. His main areas of specialisation are biodiversity and molecular taxonomy of bacteria, and drug discovery (anticancer). However, it was his research on new molecular techniques to detect Halal / haram ingredients in food that elevated the International Islamic University of Malaysia and that of the entire Halal industry onto a new level. Read what this leading Muslim scientist has to say about Halal:

Without sincerity, there will be no trust. NO TRUST LEADS TO NO BRAND.

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO DO MORE RESEARCH ON HALAL? With what has been said about Halal being safer, healthier and cleaner, I want to prove this and relate my researches to the work that was done in University of Hanover back in 1978. Since my area of interest is in Halal and haram food detection, as well as in genomic and molecular evolution of enzymes, I would like to incorporate the work of Dr. Hazim and Dr. Schultz on the Halal slaughtering, which is not only more humane but also produces meat that are higher in quality. WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? Since the Hanover study was done in 1978, we must conduct a follow up research to prove this; that the animal which was slaughtered humanely is in fact healthier as compared to those that were not slaughtered according to Halal. The main difference between stunning and no stunning is the volume of blood left in the carcass. If an animal is stunned or beaten, the blood will not flow out and would then remain in the animal. This will invite or cause deathly diseases such as anthrax, SARS or even the mad cow disease like we had earlier. Blood will only increase the possibility of infection. WHAT ELSE? Well, besides the high volume of blood factor, feed also plays an important factor. Going back to BSE, the disease leads back to feeding of cows and chicken with other animal parts and blood. Scientifically speaking, we cannot feed animals with other animals and in addition, Halal animals also cannot be fed with feed tainted with Haram stuffs, like pork or blood as protein. In my 18 years of experience in GMO and specialisation in bacterial enzymes, blood in animal feed will only help spread

harmful bacteria which can be damaging to our health. But there have been many cases like this, all in the name of profit. WHAT DO YOU THINK SHOULD BE DONE TO OVERCOME THESEâ&#x20AC;ŚMENACE? To me, it all boils down to sincerity. We must be sincere when performing our daily tasks. We need to believe in barakah in performing our responsibilities for Allah swt. One needs to be sincere in doing their job and not just doing it for the sake of business or profit. Without sincerity, there will be no trust and when there is no trust, there will be no brand. Science and Halal will help show the world that Muslims can contribute to the world and therefore promote the Islamic brand and with sincerity, people will trust the Muslims more. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE WAY FORWARD IS FOR HALAL SCIENCE? Innovation, innovation and innovation. This must never stop. In the technology of mechanical slaughter or the slaughter line for example, such as improving the existing process, or making sharper knives, or improving depth of incision and so on. Or even ways to ensure the animals cannot see their friends being slaughtered, while waiting to be slaughtered. We should also find ways to make the slaughtering line more hygienic, and stay hygienic at all times, to avoid contaminations of any form of diseases, and to ensure the safety of the product in the end. Like I said, we need to ensure people to trust Islam; hence with science and innovation, it will convince people more, especially in the West. Coming from Germany, I know that they (the West) need evidence to substantiate any claims and to gain their trust. hj

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