PETRONAS Management Training Sdn. Bhd. (PMTSB) - EPU

MTCP Alumni Newsletter
6
BuildiNg HAlAl STANdARdS ANd CONFORMANCE iNFRASTRuCTuRE
FOR OiC COuNTRiES
The increasing demand of Muslim population all over the
world for halal food leads to a need to build a consistent and
reliable infrastructure in the Organization of Islamic Conference
(OIC) member countries pertaining to halal standards and
conformance. Malaysia, with its reputation as one of the most
progressive and technologically advanced Muslim nations, has
successfully developed the framework as well as the standards
and conformance infrastructure for the advancement of halal
industries. As a member and current Chair of the OIC, Malaysia
is, thus, well positioned to become the international hub for
halal products and services by working closely with other OIC
member countries.
The Department of Standards Malaysia (DSM), with
the support from the Department of Islamic Development of
Malaysia (JAKIM), joined the Malaysian Technical Cooperation
Programme (MTCP) as a training provider in 2006 to jointly
organize a capacity-building training course to share knowledge
and skills in building halal standards infrastructure with other
OIC member countries. Since the DSM, under the Ministry of
Science, Technology and Innovation, is responsible for standards
and accreditation, it strives to promulgate and promote their
activities in Malaysia. DSM has established the Malaysian
Standard on halal entitled “Halal Food: Production, Preparation,
Handling and Storage General Guidelines” (MS 1500:2004),
which is also the first halal standard to be developed by a
Muslim nation.
In line with Malaysia’s commitment to capacity-building
of OIC countries, DSM implemented its first course on ‘Training
Programme on Halal Standards and Conformance Infrastructure
for OIC Countries’ from 7-18 August 2006 under the MTCP.
Its main objectives are to strengthen solidarity and cooperation
among Islamic States with respect to halal industries as well as
to seek new opportunities for trade and cooperation between
Malaysia and fellow OIC member countries.
The programme was attended by 15 participants from
ten OIC countries, namely Algeria, Turkey, Bangladesh, Saudi
Arabia, Yemen, Jordan, Oman, Tunisia, Iran and Indonesia. The
course was designed to give participants a first-hand exposure
to the halal concept and the development of the infrastructure
to support the development of halal industries. Lectures were
delivered by the respective experts in their fields. In addition,
the training group experienced hands-on-training on halal
standards and conformance infrastructure as well as visits to
relevant halal development agencies in Malaysia where they
were briefed on their different roles in carrying out the halal
development strategies. The participants acknowledged that
the training was beneficial and timely since it was generally
agreed that the Malaysian halal system is one of its kind and
exemplary to them.
Apart from that, they were also very impressed with
the Malaysian hospitality shown throughout their short but
memorable stay here. This initiative is truly a success as the
objective of creating greater awareness of the importance
and potentials of the Halal industries among the OIC Member
Countries has been achieved. Apart from the training activities,
participants were also given the opportunity to get to know
Malaysian history, culture and heritage through a study visit
to Melaka, the Historical City. They were truly amazed and
impressed by the cultural artifacts, sold at the pasar malam
(Malaysian style night market) in Jonker’s Street. Many even
took the opportunity to experience their first trishaw ride.
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(1) Opening Ceremony of MTCP Training Programme by Y. Bhg. Dato’ Abdul
Hanan bin Alang Endut, Secretary General of the Ministry of Science,
Technology and Innovation
(2) Study visit to MARDI
(3) Lunch at hawker stall
(4) Study visit to Putrajaya: Group Photo at the Prime Minister’s Office
(5) Group Photo at the Putrajaya Mosque
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