An idea that boggles the mind
Do we really need a separate halal logo for products made by Muslims?
The idea of an additional halal logo to denote products made by Muslims is nothing short of mind boggling.
Last Sunday, in announcing that the logo would be launched early next year, Risda Chairman Zahidi Zainul Abidin said the reason was to help small entrepreneurs make forays into the halal market and also to clear the air over the veracity of halal products because some companies had allegedly been flouting the halal rules after getting the certification from the Department of Islamic Development (Jakim).
Risda is working on the idea with the Malaysian Institute of International Islamic Cooperation (Ikiam).
The announcement has drawn scorn from many commentators. For example, Persatuan Pengguna Islam Malaysia (PPIM) activist Nadzim Johan said that there was no need for another halal logo because the Jakim standards were already stringent.
In fact, earlier this month, Rural and Regional Development Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob lamented that Jakim’s standards were too stringent, and this is something many halal-certified restaurateurs can attest to.
If it is indeed true that some who have obtained the halal logo are flouting the rules, then it is a serious issue that affects the credibility of Malaysia’s billion-ringgit halal industry.
However, a “made by Muslims” logo will not in any way ensure compliance with halal standards or erase doubts.
It is incumbent on Jakim to monitor and enforce halal compliance in the country. Surely Zahidi is not implying that Jakim is not doing its job.
Even more worrying is the implication in Zahidi’s statement that it is only non-Muslims who are not adhering to Jakim’s rules.
A separate halal logo serves only to cast doubt on products bearing Jakim’s logo. It will also create another layer of unhealthy separation between the Muslims and non-Muslims in this country.
There is also the question of the massive resources needed to manage and support the issuance of the second logo and to monitor compliance.
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If Ikiam and Risda really want to help the smalltime Muslim entrepreneurs, it should focus on ensuring that their products are marketable, that they are, for a start, using the right marketing strategies and using the correct distribution channels.