We never betrayed Muslims - Jakim on Cadbury chocs

KUALA LUMPUR - The latest result from the lab analysis conducted by the Chemistry Department on Cadbury Roast Almond and Hazelnut chocolate had confirmed that the chocolates did not contain porcine DNA as reported earlier.

However, the findings did not help to soothe the nerves of the public who seem to be disappointed over the whole affair that started with the Health Ministry's findings that porcine DNA was found in the samples of the chocolate bar.

The ministry stated that the affected Cadbury Dairy Milk Hazelnut chocolate bars were from batch number 200813 M01HI2 (expiry date, Nov 13, 2014) and Cadbury Dairy Milk Roast Almond chocolate bar, batch number 221013 N01RI1 (expiry date, Jan 15, 2015).

In a sudden turn of events, the contradicting findings between the Ministry of Health and the Chemistry Department has put the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (Jakim) in a fix with its credibility and integrity as the agency responsible for providing the halal status being questioned.

Several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) even made a police report against the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom who announced the department's findings. The Chemistry Department is Jakim's referral agency over halal matters.

Datuk Othman Mustapha

And ever since Jakim has been criticised and taunted. At the social websites, some blamed Jakim for not being transparent and not telling the truth.

Others went further in admonishing the department, saying Jakim is corrupted and even disputed the Chemistry Department's results.

We are Muslims too

Jakim's Director General Datuk Othman Mustapha noted that it is unfair to rebuke the body unjustly as it did its best in carrying out its responsibility.

The society has to calm down and think rationally because being an Islamic body, Jakim would certainly not betray the trust of Muslims.

"Like you, I'm a Muslim too, in fact my officers too are Muslims and we have families who are also Muslim consumers...we certainly don't have the heart to see and allow our family and other Muslims consume products tainted with porcine DNA.

"In fact, many of the employees at the chocolate company are Muslims ...don't tell me they are going to allow the society and their families consume something not halal," he said in an interview at his office in Putrajaya recently.

Othman noted that every product with a halal logo have been screened using standard operating procedure (SOP) to ensure the product meets the high and stringent standards.

"It is not easy for us to issue the halal certificate and that is why Jakim is often blamed for being late in processing applications for halal status," he said.

Integrity

Othman also rubbished claims of misconduct and corruption within Jakim saying different teams and individuals were involved in processing the application for halal status.

All application process to obtain halal status, including the inspection and monitoring of the premises were conducted by Jakim and they were not outsourced to ensure the integrity of the whole process.

"Misconduct is next to impossible...if it involves bribery, which level is involved? At the process or audit level? They are not involved in making decisions, in fact there are auditors who make recommendation for the halal status but the panel can still reject the application if it is still not satisfied," he said.

He stated that the implementation of the SOP is very important in maintaining impartiality and avoiding conflict of interest.

"There were proposals to outsource but we already have the in-house expertise ...moreover if the inspection is outsourced then there will be issues over the charges, integrity and keeping up with the SOP...thus Jakim has decided to do it on its own," he said.

Halal certificate cannot be bought

Othman said it was next to impossible to buy the halal certificate as the applicant has to undergo a vigorous process and adhere to all conditions before the halal certificate is issued.

"If there was any halal certificate for sale, it is the work of unscrupulous third parties who claim they could acquire easily the halal certificate when in fact it involves a rigorous and difficult process," he said.

Othman also made it clear that while it was not compulsory to apply for the halal logo, action would be taken if a product carried the halal logo without proper certification.

The consumers can download the Halal-Square application on their handphones or other devices to check the authenticity of the halal label at business premises.

"We provide the halal posters to restaurants and hotels that can be scanned with the Halal-Square application...thus the consumers will know instantly the halal status of the premises and whether the halal certification is still valid, has expired or its false," he said.

Country's image can be affected

Othman pointed out any issues relating to halal if blown out of proportion before being verified could affect Malaysia's image as a halal hub and a referral point for other nations on halal matters.

"Now the Arab nations refer to us for guidance and in developing their halal system.

"Being a nation that is referred to by many other countries don't tell me we can ignore porcine DNA...I fear that these issue can bring a bad name for the country," he said.

Foreign halal bodies recognized

He said Jakim also has the Foreign Halal Bodies Recognition Scheme and hitherto 57 halal bodies from 23 nations have been recognised.

"This is to assist Jakim and the industry here when the businesses import raw material, it needs halal conformation from the producing country...the producing country issues halal certification and we accept them.

"As we cannot inspect every ingredient as each company has hundreds of products and thousands of ingredients, so we seek the cooperation of other nations using this approach," he added.

Admitting that the Cadbury chocolate issue has affected public confidence on Jakim, Othman said Jakim's immediate measure is to win back the people's trust. "Public awareness on halal is very high now, yet they do not understand Jakim's procedures, thus they end up confused and indignant at Jakim's uncompromising stand on halal," he said. -Mynsinchew