JAKIM To Investigate Halal Slaughtering Abuses in Australia

The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) director-general Datuk Hakimah Mohd Yus said it was investigating alleged violations of halal slaughtering procedure by a company in Australia that has been certified halal by Malaysia.

In a statement last Monday, Hakimah said the investigation was being carried out by the Jakim Halal attaché officer in Australia and also the country’s Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE).

She said discussions between Jakim and the Counsellor (Agriculture) of the Australian Embassy in Malaysia were also held on April 28 to ensure that the investigation findings could be submitted to the Malaysian government as soon as possible.

“I would like to stress that Jakim will not compromise with any party if there are any errors and non-compliance involving the halal certification and accreditation process,” she said.

Abusive Halal Slaughtering Practices

Unfortunately, abusive Halal slaughtering practices have been rampant in the industry in many countries. It is alleged that an Australian company had been using abusive halal slaughtering practices while slaughtering animals to be exported to Malaysia and other Muslim countries.

She also said Jakim was prepared to fully cooperate with the authorities to investigate allegations of misconduct in the matter, including those involving Jakim officers if any, as well as to meet with any party with strong evidence on the issue for the sake of all.

Recently, the Malaysia Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) together with Pertubuhan Kemasyarakatan Rakyat (Pekemas) and Sahabat 99 alleged that a company in Australia that Jakim approves has breached the halal slaughtering protocols.

Pekemas president Faizan Mohd Nor said the disclosure of halal slaughter standard operating procedure violations in Australia was based on video and photo evidence as well as witnesses’ accounts.

He added that he was convinced that there were clear elements of violations of the halal slaughtering protocols.

How Jakim is Expected To Handle the Violation?

Jakim may send their delegation or use their local representative to further investigate the abusive slaughtering practices the Australian company has been following. Based upon the findings of its investigations, it may cut off its relations with the company in question.

The strict action may warn other companies in Australia strictly follow standard operating procedures for slaughtering animals meant to be exported to Malaysia and other Muslim countries.

There have been some voices in Malaysia aiming for a temporary ban on the import of meat from the Australian slaughterhouse until further investigations are conducted.