Its secretary-general, Alias Ahmad said that at present, the government only encouraged supermarket operators to segregate the use of trolleys and that it was not compulsory.
“At present, it is not mandatory to have segregated trolleys but the ministry encourages supermarket operators to make it a practice as we believe this self-compliance will open the eyes of others to follow suit.
“But if the self compliance cannot be implemented at one point, then the government has no other option but to set the guidelines to ensure Muslim consumers are more comfortable and confident when making their purchases,” he said today after a walkabout at the NSK Supermarket in Kuchai Lama here, which has implemented the trolley segregation.
He said among the guidelines to be determined are differentiating trolleys by colour, as well as separating payment counters for halal and non-halal items.
In another development, Alias said seafood supply was expected to be reduced by 30 per cent during the Chinese New Year celebrations due to the El Nino phenomenon that has hit the country at present.
However, he said the ministry was cooperating with the various relevant agencies to ensure adequate supply by importing seafood to meet consumer demand.
“We also placed 2,300 enforcement officers to monitor prices and ensure traders comply with regulations,” he added.
– BERNAMA