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Biz-savvy Malays back Teresa Kok for indirectly protecting interest of small Muslim F&B operators
savemalaysia
Publish date: Sun, 08 Sep 2024, 03:55 PM
FARSIGHTED Malays have come out in droves to lend moral support to DAP vice-chairman Teresa Kok who has come under ferocious attack by UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh for objecting to the Malaysian Islamic Development Department’s (JAKIM) mooting of a mandatory halal certification for alcohol/pork-free eateries.
In so doing, they lambasted the rightist Merlimau state assemblyman for merely riding in religion to gain political mileage as he rudely bombarded the six-term Seputeh MP by insulting her as Nyonya Tua (literally Old Lady) and “don’t you dare to touch our religion”.
Commenting on a post by ironically opposition-slant Solisidtor (@Solisidtor) that Akmal has gone too far by labelling Kok as “Nyonya Tua”, one sensible commenter remarked that if JAKIM gets its way, it will be inevitable for small Malay businesses like pasar malam traders or roadside burger sellers having to toe the line, too.
“See who will champion their cause when they complain about the cost of getting a halal certificate which is burdensome and so on. Think first, brother, before speaking,” he shared as one commenter reckoned that Kok’s counter-argument “is rational and can be discussed from various angles”.
In fact, few commenters also agreed that the 60-year-old DAP lawmaker has indirectly “assisted Malay food businesses” given non-halal Chinese and Indian-owned eateries already have their pool of customers”.
Many commenters also hit out at the Russia-trained medical doctor for his emotional outburst which is somehow similar to that displayed during the KK Super Mart sock saga which earned him the “King of Boycott” label.
Such behaviour, according to them, should not be condoned by the Madani government, especially when UMNO is part of the ruling coalition, hence “Akmal should be dropped as a candidate for GE16 (16th General Election)”, more so for” having demonstrated pro-opposition tendencies”.
On the hindsight, the UMNO’s ulama council is of the view that it should not be necessary for Muslim-owned eateries to be mandated to obtain JAKIM’s halal certification.
In a Facebook post, the council’s deputy president Dr Khairuddin Aman Razali said Muslim-owned establishments can be excluded from the proposal as Muslims are already personally bound by Islamic rules on halal and haram.
However, Khairuddin’s view was rebutted by fellow Muslims as both “double standard” and that halal-ness is not merely about pork and alcohol per se but that of “halal toyyiban” given there have been cases of Muslim-owned eateries operating under unhygienic conditions.. - Sept 8, 2024
https://focusmalaysia.my/biz-savvy-malays-back-teresa-kok-for-indirectly-protecting-interest-of-small-muslim-fb-operators/
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Discussions
Be the first to like this. Showing 43 of 43 comments
At the expense of non-halal sectors? Malaysia’s heavy focus on promoting itself as a global halal hub, while beneficial in some ways, may divert attention and resources away from other sectors that have the potential for growth. For instance, non-halal industries, such as certain areas of technology, education, and tourism, may not receive the same level of support or investment, even though they could drive economic diversification and expansion. Neighboring countries with more balanced economic strategies can capitalize on these missed opportunities, leaving Malaysia behind.
1 week ago
when u make it mandatory, u give Jakim the power to decide which food biz flourish and which food biz go under. then this will open the door to corruption as some ppl will choose pay money to get halal cert
1 week ago
Nothing is free in this world as of afterworld no one come back to tell is every thing is free in the afterworld.
1 week ago
Not based on come-back ppl telling- but from tradition, authority and revelation
1 week ago
just for information Halal Cert only RM100 a year or RM8.33 a month or RM0.27 per day.
6 days ago
Do proper math. Tons of hidden cost and under the table money required - from the source to product prep. Procurement from limited source, etc. Think twice
6 days ago
We must strive to put a full stop to such a dark system from the very begining. The strict criteria for halal certification affect not only food preparation but also the sourcing of raw materials. Businesses are required to use ingredients from halal-certified suppliers, limiting their options and increasing procurement costs. The scarcity of halal-certified suppliers in certain areas can further drive up the price of halal meals, as suppliers may charge a premium due to limited competition.
6 days ago
And know why Kodak and Nokia became irrelevant - yup, dinosaur-like stagnation and morbidly unchanging. The rigid and overly cautious nature of JAKIM’s halal certification process may stifle innovation, particularly in industries that rely on fast-paced product development, such as food technology or pharmaceuticals. Entrepreneurs and investors may be deterred from developing innovative halal products or services due to fears of being bogged down in regulatory red tape. Malaysia risks missing out on becoming a leader in innovative halal markets, which are increasingly important in the global economy.
This stagnation in innovation can reduce the economy’s ability to diversify and grow, further shrinking the pie for all players. For example, Thailand’s emphasis on halal tourism, technology, and food production is becoming increasingly attractive to investors who seek lower barriers to entry.
6 days ago
Mandatory halal certification introduces additional administrative and financial burdens, especially for small businesses. These include costs associated with compliance, auditing, and documentation, which can strain resources and reduce competitiveness, particularly for businesses that do not primarily cater to Muslim consumers. By enforcing certification, the government may inadvertently limit the flexibility and autonomy that businesses need to operate efficiently in a diverse market.
In contrast, a voluntary halal certification system would allow businesses to respond to market demand organically. Those that see value in obtaining halal certification—due to consumer preferences or market positioning—can do so without being forced. This market-driven approach encourages healthy competition and innovation, while avoiding the imposition of unnecessary costs on businesses that may not benefit from certification.
Forcing compliance could also create operational inefficiencies, leading to higher prices for consumers and reducing the overall agility of businesses in adapting to changing market conditions. Thus, voluntary certification strikes a balance, supporting both the needs of relevant consumers and the sustainability of diverse business operations.
6 days ago
After all, great minds and people discuss great ideas, small minded, hearted and pen*le ppl attack the former ones
6 days ago
I'm just answer to those said the Halal Cert is expensive, JAKIM only chargers few hundred. I'm not sure cost for consultation fee and other hidden cost. They only purpose mandatory for Halal cert maybe because current issue big F&B don't have halal cert but most of their customer are Muslim. i don't think they can make compulsory to all. We have cabinet member to discuss and make discussion regarding this issue.
6 days ago
It is not the certificate cost per se but the cost on inplementation added up in all the supply chain.
6 days ago
i agreed with @EngineeringProfit, "Those that see value in obtaining halal certification—due to consumer preferences or market positioning" maybe can go for Halal Cert. they can voluntarily apply for Halal Cert. If their market for Non-Muslim, no required to have Halal Cert.
6 days ago
And depend on use of technology like the case of Cadbury chocolate in 2016. And soon advanced testing for presence of alcohol - abusing technology is never cheap for the general people to pay. Hard time now . Many B40. Just need food. Affordable price- not inflated one
6 days ago
Yes, democracy (government by the ppl, of the ppl for the ppl) means every single rakyat must stand up against injustice, cruelty and kezaliman. Let the business ppl decide for themselves.
Posted by cemertugus > 7 hours ago | Report Abuse
i agreed with @EngineeringProfit, "Those that see value in obtaining halal certification—due to consumer preferences or market positioning" maybe can go for Halal Cert. they can voluntarily apply for Halal Cert. If their market for Non-Muslim, no required to have Halal Cert.
6 days ago
F&B operators are either halal or non halal. Mandatory halal certification for Muslim F&B traders - if given free - doesn’t come at anyone else expense except for those who certify. If a Muslim trader choose to sell non halal F&B, I think many will have serious problems with that. So I see no problem to make it mandatory to Muslim F&B operators only if the certification is given for FREE and doesn’t disturb the Muslim traders. There is no “At the expense of others”.
6 days ago
However if it is NOT FREE, then I seriously object. They must make the certification FREE and FAST. Then when every Muslim F&B trader have it, nobody gives a damn anymore. Case closed!
6 days ago
If you are a Muslim, you must support mandatory halal certification for FREE and FAST. If you are a non Muslim, you must also support mandatory halal certification for FREE and FAST. A Muslim trader MUST take a stand and take a position whether he wants to be a Muslim F&B trader or not. If he doesn’t want, I don’t think anyone will allow him to sell pork and alcohol. Since he can’t sell pork and alcohol just give him that halal certification FREE and FAST and the country can move on to do bigger and better things.
6 days ago
But don’t make it SLOW and COSTLY! The poor Muslim F&B trader won’t survive!
6 days ago
When it is given FREE and FAST, you do not give JAKIM more power on F&B. When EVERYONE have it, it ceases to be of value.
6 days ago
So, 23 days to certify is 22 days too long. One day max. In the spot. FREE!
6 days ago
I totally agree with the use of the most advanced technology. Digital certificates can be issued in less than 1 second. Issue them! To everyone!
6 days ago
With the commoners in her heart, Nyonya Teresa can be a better pm than AI
5 days ago
For Malsia, the lessons are clear: without decisive reforms to remove parasitic middlemen, inefficient agencies, and entrenched interests, the nation risks economic stagnation, social discontent, and a loss of competitiveness in the global economy. Ancient civilizations serve as a stark reminder that ignoring these issues can lead to unsalvageable decline.
5 days ago
Malaysia 3R hurdles and traps.
we just have to improve our handling 3 R issues...that includes all sides.
Thailand seems to have handled it better .
5 days ago
Chinese kids have 3 R meaning reading, writing and arithmetic.
malaysian adults have 3R issues meaning race, religion and royalty.
5 days ago
Thailand seems to have handled it better .
Thailand handles it expertly with no one winning everything
thailand is so good, the country was never colonised. and now thailand is a favorite for investors.
5 days ago
Thailand has democraccy with Thai characteristics.
Malaysia must reach a level of democarcy with Malaysia characteristics, not all white house or westminster uk or western characteristics only.
5 days ago
Unfortunately, 3R in the context of the 21st-century Industrial Revolution 4.0 that everyone should learn, internalise and master are:
Resilient: Emphasizes the need for systems and businesses to be adaptable and robust in the face of rapid technological changes and disruptions.
Responsive: Highlights the importance of agility and quick adaptation to emerging trends, technologies, and market demands.
Revolutionary: Reflects the transformative impact of Industry 4.0 technologies, driving innovation and significant changes in industry practices and processes.
How ill-prepared could we be?
Posted by qqq47660 > 5 minutes ago | Report Abuse
Thailand seems to have handled it better .
Thailand handles it expertly with no one winning everything
thailand is so good, the country was never colonised. and now thailand is a favorite for investors.
5 days ago
what the malays complain about is that the girl is just too china girl look and feel.
5 days ago
politics cannot be handled with just the frontal cortex or logical deductions.
politics in a country with 3 R issues have be handled together with the emotional brain.
that is no such thing as successful leader, successful social media, successful commentator unless it comes equipped with EI. emotional intelligence.
5 days ago
that is no such thing as successful leader, successful social media, successful commentator unless it comes equipped with EI. emotional intelligence.
or what they CCP says harmony.
5 days ago
We got no time for that- don't u see the country debt would become unbearable soon. Still have to hold on to all the dinosaur policies, principles and practices by all the dinosaur agencies?
5 days ago
Malsia must do the only one right thing i.e. streamline all eateries to be 1msian-friendly- streamline its regulatory functions, allowing for more direct business operations without the need for religious bodies like JKIM to have such a prominent role in commercial and certification processes. This could lead to a less politicized, more economically progressive environment that favors transparency and direct governance.
5 days ago
While the religious bodies play a significant role in cultural and spiritual matters, the allocation of public funds to these agencies is often questioned, especially in times of economic stress. Some argue that focusing on providing basic needs like education, healthcare, housing, and infrastructure would have a more direct and measurable impact on national prosperity than maintaining extensive religious bureaucracies.
5 days ago
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I believe they should insist that Halal certification be provided free.
After all, why should the country protect the halal certifiers at the expense of the poor Malay retailers?
I totally support mandatory on the condition that it is given for free.
But if it's not free, then, why should the country protect only a few certifiers?
I rather protect the huge group of poor Malay retailers.
1 week ago