Halal certification ensures quality assurance of food and consumables

Eminent Source attending the exhibition from left to right -Nurul Hafizah Razali, executive consultant Nur Ainunnisa Syahirah Ramli, halal facilitator and Muhammad Adnan Adam Ariffin Manager and Special Duties

15 August 2024

By AVV

PENAMPANG: Halal Certification is important not only to ensure that food and consumables meet Islamic dietary laws, but also play an important role in quality assurance, market expansion, and ethical practices in the food industry.

Obtaining halal certification is often considered difficult due to the rigorous standards and requirements set by certifying bodies to ensure that products and processes comply with Islamic dietary laws.

These standards involve thorough inspections, audits, and documentation to verify that the entire supply chain, from sourcing to production, adheres to halal principles.

There is a company however that can help those who wish to acquire halal certification called Eminent Source Sdn. Bhd. (ESSB). They specialise in providing training and consultancy services for Halal certification, as well as certification under the Food Safety and Quality Division.

According to Muhammad Adnan Adam Ariffin, Manager and Special Duties as well as Halal Personnel stationed in Eminent Sabah, they are dedicated to delivering advanced technology and innovative solutions that drive organisational growth and success. By leveraging its expertise, ESSB aims to simplify processes, enhance efficiency, and unlock new opportunities within the existing certification market.

“ESSB's ambition is to establish itself as a trusted authority and leader in Borneo, as well as globally, serving as a facilitator for all forms of certification and training available in the region,” he stressed when met during an exhibition held at Raia Hotel recently in conjunction with the launching ceremony of Sabah Madani entrepreneur halal awareness workshop by the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MEDC) Datuk Ewon Benedick.

Adnan said entrepreneurs may find the process of acquiring halal certification daunting due to a lack of knowledge or guidance on how to navigate the requirements and procedures involved.

“It is essential for entrepreneurs to seek out resources, such as consulting with halal certification agencies like us or attending workshops on halal compliance, to better understand the process and ensure successful certification. By proactively educating themselves and seeking assistance from experts, entrepreneurs can overcome the challenges associated with obtaining halal certification,” he said.

According to him, their company can make it easier for entrepreneurs to acquire their certificates.

“We have established a strong reputation with our esteemed previous clients, who have endorsed our track record of success. With a proven track record of managing 158 successful applications, our expertise demonstrates our capability to handle your operations with precision. Our commitment to upholding safety, hygiene, and food quality values aligns with the principles of "Halalan Toyyiban."

Our streamlined process includes guidance through a flowchart, registration, site visits, deposit payment, consultations, report submission, and ultimately the acceptance of the Halal certificate,” he said.

He ensures that all necessary documentation is meticulously prepared and in order before submitting the applications to the Islamic Religious Council (MUIS) for review and approval of the halal certification. This meticulous approach helps streamline the certification process and increases the likelihood of a successful endorsement from the council.

He further elaborated that Halal certification assures Muslim consumers that products meet their religious dietary requirements, fostering trust between manufacturers and consumers.

The certification process often involves strict quality control measures, ensuring that products are safe, hygienic, and high-quality. For companies operating in regions with significant Muslim populations, halal certification can be essential for compliance with local regulations and standards.

In a competitive market, halal certification can serve as a unique selling point, helping products stand out. By obtaining halal certification, companies demonstrate respect for cultural and religious practices, which can enhance their reputation and customer loyalty.

During the event, the minister emphasised that MEDC provides a range of halal entrepreneur development programs, including halal certification, financial assistance, and grants for entrepreneurs nationwide.

This includes financial aid of up to RM10,000 to support compliance with halal certification requirements, covering expenses such as halal awareness and certification courses for company employees, consultation services, product analysis, and certification fees.

Additionally, the ministry offers financial support of up to RM30,000 for brand development, prototypes, packaging, and labeling upgrades through the Halal Product Capacity Development Programme.

The Halal Innovation and Technology Programme targets entrepreneurs with existing halal certifications, aiming to enhance the success of their products and services through innovation and technology. This programme provides grants for adapting, innovating, and adopting halal technologies to improve productivity, including technology transfers, machinery purchases, digitalization, research and development, and product commercialization.

Ewon highlighted that MEDC also extends grants of up to RM200,000 to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) meeting the specified criteria. The ministry has introduced the Halal Entrepreneur Internationalisation Programme to support stable and export-ready MSMEs, aiming to bolster the Malaysian halal brand in global markets, facilitate access to Malaysian halal products and services, and establish business networks and marketing channels for Malaysian halal products worldwide.