PM Congratulates Sirajuddin on Becoming Jakim’s New DG

In a significant development for Malaysia’s Islamic affairs and halal industry, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has warmly congratulated Datuk Dr. Sirajuddin Suhaimee on his new role as the Director-General of the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim). This appointment comes at a time when Islamic governance, halal certification, and religious policy are pivotal aspects of Malaysia’s socio-economic growth and international positioning.
Jakim’s role is crucial in Malaysia, as it not only addresses religious guidance for Muslims but also ensures that the halal industry remains compliant, credible, and ready for the global market. Dr. Sirajuddin, who assumed this key position on October 1st, brings a wealth of experience to the organization and is expected to further elevate its standing both domestically and internationally.

Prime Minister’s Message of Hope

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s congratulatory message to Dr. Sirajuddin reflects both a sense of pride and high expectations. In a Facebook post, the Prime Minister expressed his hope for Dr. Sirajuddin to uphold Jakim’s mission with integrity and innovation. He emphasized the importance of elevating the spread of Islam, strengthening the governance of Islamic affairs, and empowering the halal industry to maintain its competitive edge globally.

“May Dato’ Dr. Sirajuddin uphold this responsibility by working hard to elevate the spread of Islam, empower the halal industry, and strengthen the governance of Islamic affairs with credibility and wisdom,” the Prime Minister stated. This message resonates deeply with Jakim’s objectives, which encompass religious affairs management, halal certification, and promoting Islamic values in various sectors of Malaysian life.

The Prime Minister also took a moment to acknowledge the contributions of the outgoing Director-General, Datin Paduka Hajah Hakimah Mohd Yusoff, appreciating her dedication and commitment to Jakim during her tenure. Datin Paduka Hajah Hakimah’s efforts have laid a strong foundation, which Dr. Sirajuddin is expected to build upon as he steps into this pivotal role.

Datuk Dr. Sirajuddin Suhaimee

To understand the future direction of Jakim under its new leadership, it’s essential to look at the journey and qualifications of Dr. Sirajuddin Suhaimee. At 57, he is not only a distinguished Islamic scholar but also an experienced administrator in both religious and halal sectors. His career trajectory reflects a blend of traditional Islamic scholarship and modern administrative skills, making him uniquely positioned to lead Jakim into its next phase.

Dr. Sirajuddin’s academic achievements lay a strong foundation for his work. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Syariah Law from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), a university known for its focus on Islamic studies. His interest in merging Islamic principles with modern technology is evident in his pursuit of a Master’s degree in Information Technology from Universiti Teknologi MARA and a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of South Australia.

This educational background equips Dr. Sirajuddin with the skills to integrate Islamic principles with technological advancements, a key area as the halal industry continues to evolve. His comprehensive understanding of Islamic law (Syariah) and technology makes him an asset to Jakim, especially at a time when digital transformation is reshaping the halal certification process, enhancing traceability, and boosting transparency.

Extensive Experience in Halal Management

Dr. Sirajuddin’s career spans over 30 years in public service, starting with his role as an assistant director focusing on Dakwah (Islamic preaching) at the Selangor Islamic Religious Department in 1992. Since then, his rise within the ranks of Jakim has been steady, highlighting his dedication to Islamic governance and halal management.

One of Dr. Sirajuddin’s key areas of expertise is halal certification, an area in which Malaysia is a recognized leader. Having served as Jakim’s Research Division Senior Director and the Halal Management Division Director, he has developed a deep understanding of how to align religious principles with industry standards. His international experience as the First Secretary (Halal) at the Malaysian High Commission in Canberra, Australia, further adds to his holistic perspective on the challenges and opportunities of global halal certification.

The halal industry is a rapidly growing market, with an estimated value exceeding $2 trillion globally. As demand for halal products and services expands beyond food into finance, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and lifestyle products, Malaysia stands as a benchmark for quality and compliance. Jakim’s role in halal certification is crucial not just for local businesses but for global trade, as the Malaysian halal certification is considered one of the most reputable and trusted standards worldwide.

The Role of Jakim

Jakim, as the central authority in Malaysia for Islamic affairs, is responsible for a broad range of tasks, from issuing halal certificates to guiding Islamic education, ensuring that religious teachings are properly disseminated, and shaping policies that uphold Islamic values. Jakim’s role in the halal industry is particularly noteworthy, as it works to ensure that products and services meet strict halal requirements, which include not only permissible ingredients but also ethical production processes.

Dr. Sirajuddin’s appointment as Jakim’s new DG comes at a time of increasing demand for halal products worldwide. According to recent market research, the global halal food market is projected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by rising awareness of halal practices among non-Muslims, increasing disposable incomes among Muslim consumers, and a growing preference for ethical and hygienic food production.

Malaysia’s halal certification is internationally recognized, which has a direct impact on global trade. Jakim has also been involved in helping other countries develop their halal standards, sharing best practices and regulatory frameworks that align with Islamic principles. This collaborative approach not only strengthens the halal ecosystem but also promotes Malaysia’s leadership role in the global halal market.

Innovation for Jakim’s Halal Sector

As technology continues to revolutionize industries, the halal market is no exception. Blockchain technology is being explored for enhancing transparency and traceability in halal certification, ensuring that every step of the supply chain meets halal requirements. Artificial intelligence and big data analytics are also being employed to streamline halal processes, making them more efficient and trustworthy.

Given Dr. Sirajuddin’s background in both Islamic law and technology, his leadership is likely to steer Jakim towards embracing these technological advancements. This move could strengthen Malaysia’s position as a global leader in halal certification and Islamic affairs, setting the stage for even greater collaboration and growth.

Additionally, there is an increasing need to adapt to new challenges brought about by globalization. For example, as more multinational companies seek halal certification for their products to cater to Muslim consumers, Jakim’s role in ensuring these standards are met becomes even more critical. Under Dr. Sirajuddin’s leadership, Jakim is expected to focus on promoting the halal industry’s growth while maintaining strict adherence to Islamic principles.

Jakim’s New DG

Dr. Sirajuddin Suhaimee’s appointment as Jakim’s Director-General represents a significant step forward in the governance of Islamic affairs and the halal industry in Malaysia. With his rich experience, technological expertise, and deep understanding of Islamic law, he is well-positioned to lead Jakim toward achieving its broader goals of promoting Islamic values, enhancing the credibility of halal certification, and contributing to Malaysia’s economic development.

This leadership change not only signifies a continuation of the work done by his predecessors but also brings an opportunity for innovation and modernization within Jakim. As Malaysia continues to position itself as a leader in Islamic affairs and the global halal market, the role of Jakim’s new DG will be pivotal in shaping the future of halal governance, ensuring that the country remains a benchmark for Islamic compliance, ethical standards, and religious integrity.