The department screens only for bovine or pig DNA, said senior assistant director Ridzuan Noorzahari.

Islam prohibits the consumption of domesticated donkey meat.

Ridzuan also said donkey-related products were expensive and there was a low possibility of it being sold cheaply.

“Based on our audit, we only detect for bovine DNA and other animals. There is no need to worry about pig or donkey DNA,” he told FMT. However, he did not identify the other animals whose DNA would be screened.

Ridzuan was asked to comment on concerns surrounding the use of non-bovine materials in Pakistan’s gelatine as reported by the BBC in February.

The report centred on the traceability and quality of Pakistan gelatine, particularly after several countries banned the slaughter of donkeys for its hide, which led to gelatine supply problems including the use of lower-grade materials.

Pakistan is the leading source of gelatine imported in Malaysia, from 295,000kg in 2020 to 1.58 million kg in 2023, according to the DVS.

Several gelatine plants in Pakistan are reported to have failed to obtain non-halal certification following inspections by DVS and the Islamic development department (Jakim) in 2022.

DVS regulatory department director Razli Abdul Razak said the department has stringent requirements for obtaining approval to supply gelatine.

“As this is an animal product, the animal itself and its country of origin need to be carefully observed before we grant approval,” he said. Any non-compliance with the safety and halal status of gelatine will lead to rejection of the materials.

“We ensure the skins come from halal slaughter, which is Jakim’s function,” he said.