Combined Task Force Between The Local Authorities And Jakim To Control The Halal Food Premises In Malaysia: A Proposal

Abstract

Currently, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and local authorities carry out their monitoring activities unless there is a call for integrated enforcement. The necessity to have a combined task force between the local authorities and JAKIM was due to the issue of insufficient human resources in the enforcement team, overlapping jurisdiction between multiple administrative bodies and the scattered legislation in this area. This study proposes a combined task force between (JAKIM) and Local authorities to control and monitor halal food premises in Malaysia. They adopted the qualitative methodology where semi-structured interviews are conducted with the selected respondents using purposive sampling considering their occupation and expertise. Questionnaires were drafted using expert-vetted questions and shared with the respondents before commencing the session. The study discovers the deficiencies of the current administration of halal food premises, such as the uncertain jurisdiction of power to control and monitor the safety and cleanliness aspect of the premises to which reaching the two aspects may render breaching the ruling of halal. The output of the study may assist the government, enforcement team and administrators relevant to governing the halal food premises in Malaysia.