CAIRO, January 19, 2006 (IslamOnline.net) – The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) is working to expand the e-certification of halal products and get international recognition as a world halal certification provider.

"We are developing the e-halal product certification processing," Shahlan Hairalah, head of Muis's halal certification strategic unit, told IslamOnline.net on Thursday, January 19, over the phone.

The sole custodian of halal certification in Singapore, Muis organized on Wednesday, January 18, a one-day seminar on halal certification and industry.

"Halal Seminar 2006 was organized for updating participants on developments and achievements in the halal food industry," Hairalah said.

The event was attended by some 300 participants from key Singaporean food industries, holders of halal certifications, Muslim leaders and government bodies.

Dr. Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for the Environment & Water Resources, and Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs and Muis President Hj Mohd Alami Musa both addressed participants.

The seminar was organized in cooperation with the Economic Development Board (EDB), International Enterprise of Singapore and SPRING Singapore.

Hairalah said that Muis is also working to expand the different aspects of halal certification scheme.

"We are also preparing to expand the halal non-food products such as consumer products and other stuffs," he told IOL.

In 2004, Muis launched a three-year plan on halal certification.

"The goal of the plan is to make Muis the best provider of halal certification," Hairalah said.

"It also aims to make it the most collector of halal certification in the world."

Hairalah said Muis is cooperating with the Singaporean government to enhance international recognition of the Muis halal certification.

"This includes achieving mutual recognition status of Muis halal certified products in agreements with countries in the Middle East such as Kuwait, Qatar and other countries."

Malaysia is becoming globally recognized as the world’s halal food hub, making its halal food industry a role model.

In 2004, Malaysia organized its first International Halal Showcase (MIHAS).

Halal food certification refers to the examination of food processes, from the preparation, slaughtering, ingredients used, cleaning, handling and processing, right down to transportation and distribution.

Muslims should only eat meat from livestock slaughtered by a sharp knife from their necks, and the name of Allah, the Arabic word for God, must be mentioned.

Consumption of halal food products in Muslim and non-Muslim countries is estimated at $500 billion per year, according to statistics provided by Muis.

It is also estimated that the international halal food trade is worth $150 billion a year.

Muis was established in 1968 as a statutory board. It is tasked with advising the president in all matters relating to Singaporean Muslims.

Muslims in Singapore number about 450,000 to 500,000, making around 14 to 15 percent of the population.

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