Certification of Halal Meat: Exploring the Management & Production Environment in Malaysia and Australia
Noorul Huda Sahari, Norazlina Abdul Aziz, Johari Ab Latiff,
Nur Hafizah Harun, Farhaneen Afzal Mazlan, Mas sitah Musa
The issue relating to meat smuggling from abroad and repackaging in Malaysia and labelled using halal logo has raised public concerns recently as regards to the public trust to halal imported meat. Australian exporter has gained greater access to Malaysia’s rapid food production demand where Malaysia imports hundred of millions worth of sheep meat per year. Thus, the organizational framework and interconnected processes governing the halal meat industry within Australia is a crucial aspect to guarantee the importation of halal certified meat into Malaysia. The objective of the is to discover the management, mechanisms and challenges of the certification process of halal meat in Malaysia and Australia to provide a compilation of guidelines and insights on how halal meat is certified and monitored in both countries. This research employed qualitative method. The primary data was obtained from interviews of three selected informants and representatives of related halal agencies in Malaysia and Australia. The instruments used is semi structured interview question related to the determined research objectives. In addition, the data was also acquired through doctrinal study. The data collection was guided by structured variables that included visits to the slaughterhouses, processing facilities and retailers to verify adherence to halal standards. The collected data were analysed using thematic analysis to answer questions aroused in this study. The finding indicated that exportation of halal meat products must adhere to stringent certification processes provided by the authority. Halal mark identification applied by the Australian Government for halal meat is essential to securely monitor the exportation of the meat to the importing country. The findings present suggestions for the monitoring agency in formulating plans and policies to strengthen control over halal meat activities for importation. By addressing challenges such as diverse interpretations and ensuring strict adherence to halal practices, Malaysia and Australia continue to solidify their positions as trusted provider of halal meat in the global market.
Keywords: Australia, Halal meat, Halal certification, Management, Production environment
