No compromising on halal integrity

 

The recent raid conducted in Puchong. -- PIC COURTESY OF POLICE

THERE are no compromises when it comes to the concept of halal for Muslims. It governs a Muslim's relationship with God, their spiritual salvation and moral existence.

The concept is encapsulated within the religion's five pillars of profession of faith, prayers, fasting, zakat and pilgrimage to Makkah.

For the pious, the concept of halal goes directly to the core of their Muslim identity. While halal usually refers to dietary requirements, it goes beyond livestock slaughter and dictates how Muslims live their lives.

Wealth, according to halal rites, must be free from mendacity, fraud, thievery or exploitation. Halal compels Muslims to constantly evaluate their careers, consumption and ethics to align with a divine purpose.

The same goes for handling livestock as animals must be treated compassionately before and during slaughter.

That is why Muslims nationwide reacted with shock at the seizure of 6.5 tonnes of raw chicken suspected of being processed without complying with halal certification standards at a Puchong slaughterhouse.

The thought that some of these birds were supplied to Muslim restaurants and eateries is sickening. The abattoir had operated for 20 years yet had evaded enforcement, raising serious questions about regulatory oversight.

Islamic law dictates an animal must be alive at the moment of slaughter, but the method used to stun the chickens — low-voltage water baths — was excessive, enough to kill them.

At a proper voltage, stunning knocks out but does not kill the chickens.

Police, religious authorities and regulatory bodies have scrambled to make this investigation a priority and have been quick to issue updates to the public, even if the investigation is ongoing.

In order to obtain clear answers, every party involved in the chicken processing chain must be identified. The need to trace distribution networks for affected suppliers and businesses is paramount, especially on detecting non-compliant chickens that entered the market.

Consumers and food operators must be given appropriate guidance while investigations continue.

If anything, these measures must be taken to reinstil confidence in Muslims wondering whether the chicken they're consuming is halal. This is a wake-up call on the enforcement of halal standards.

Halal certification, inspections and compliance must not be considered mere administrative exercises.

Effective monitoring must be carried out to identify those who compromise halal requirements, and they must be held accountable through stiff penalties. Above all, transparency is vital to prevent unnecessary panic, especially in an information vacuum.

In essence, halal integrity cannot be left in the slightest doubt and it requires the highest level of sensitivity in handling and communications. - NST