Halal food: a social responsibility on cartel meat issue in Malaysia

Abstract

Halal is an essential part of the Muslim faith. The Halal certificate is one of the Malaysian government's initiatives designed to help Muslim consumers. The success rate of the government initiative, however, relies on the collaboration of every walk of life. This initiative must be compatible with efforts to eradicate all who are cashing in on the Halal industry's growth. This study, therefore, discusses the social responsibility needed to ensure the integrity of halal food in Malaysia and its ecosystem by reflecting the meat cartel issue as its main theme of discussion. To incorporate detailed ideas, library research and document analysis are employed by referring to primary sources as well as secondary sources such as article journals, official portals, conference papers and so on. Data extracted were being analysed thematically based on illegal meat cartels, weaknesses and social responsibilities. This study found that all parties inclusive associations, organizations, and individuals have their specific role in ensuring that food is Halal and its production processes are in compliance with the Shari'ah requirements. Recommendations based on the research findings suggest that the Malaysian government need to provide a specific law regarding halal food, JAKIM to strengthen halal certification processes and methods of monitoring, while the industries must fulfil all requirements that had been set by the government and provide lawful food for consumers. Other than that, consumers are also responsible to support initiatives proposed by the government and industries.