Compliance With Syariah Requirements In Chicken Supply Chain Essential - Zulkifli

TUMPAT, Oct 31 (Bernama) -- Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan has stressed the need to ensure compliance with Islamic requirements in the chicken supply chain after authorities seized more than 6.5 tonnes of chicken suspected of being slaughtered in breach of syariah requirements during a raid in Puchong yesterday.

He said the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) took part in Ops Taring Chiller alongside Selangor Islamic Religious Department, the Royal Malaysia Police's Wildlife Crime Bureau/Special Intelligence Investigation Unit, the Department of Environment and the Petaling District Health Office.

He said the raid found that the premises were suspected of being used to slaughter, process, and distribute fresh chicken, while the company did not have a Malaysian Halal Certification.

"Any party found to have violated the law will face action in accordance with the regulations and laws currently in force.

"The authorities will undertake a thorough investigation into the activity and ensure that matters concerning welfare and religious compliance are properly addressed," he told Bernama after launching the Organic Chicken Farming Project in Teluk Renjuna here today.

More than 6.5 tonnes of raw chicken suspected of being processed in breach of Islamic slaughtering requirements and halal certification standards were seized during a raid on a warehouse in Puchong, Selangor, yesterday, media reports said.

Twelve Bangladeshi and Pakistani men suspected of being involved in chicken slaughtering and processing activities at the premises were also arrested.

On the organic chicken farming project in Teluk Renjuna, Zulkifli said it would help diversify fishing communities' income, particularly during the Northeast Monsoon when rough weather makes fishing difficult.

He said the Malaysian Islamic Economic Development Foundation (YAPEIM) initiative enabled residents to become entrepreneurs and earn additional income during periods of reduced fish catches.

He said the project, involving 22 local participants, received RM150,000 in funding from YAPEIM, which also provided entrepreneurship and management guidance.

"More than 2,000 chickens have been sold so far, with strong demand helping to increase participants' income,” he said.

YAPEIM director-general Zabidi Nasan was also present.

-- BERNAMA