UiTM supports idea of halal research database

SHAH ALAM: Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) fully supports the idea of having a database on halal research at the university to assist government in determining proper funding for the halal industry in the country.

UiTM's deputy vice-chancellor (Academic and International), Prof Ir Dr Suhaimi Abd Talib in welcoming the call said the halal database managed by UiTM could become a decision making tool for the government in terms of investing in halal research and development, besides sharing the resources with other quarters for their own research.

"Most importantly (with this database), the government would be able to decide funding to support a halal hub. Without the database, you might be putting funding in a place where it is not effective," he told Bernama today.

Earlier, he attended the Third International Halal Conference 2016 themed 'Bridging Academic and Global Halal Industry' officiated by Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Senator Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki here.

He was reponding to suggestion by Dr Asyraf Wajdi for UiTM to develop a halal research database in collaboration with Malaysian regulators.

Suhaimi said UiTM had been at the forefront in supporting the halal industry with the establishment of the Malaysia Institute of Transport (MITRANS), which provides a one stop solution for consultancy, research, training and postgraduate studies in the field of halal logistics.
Meanwhile, Dr Asyraf Wajdi said the concept of halal has become a crucial element that must be embedded in products and services, in tandem with the growing Muslim population.

He added that Japan was keen in incorporating the halal concept in all aspects especially food and services for the 2020 Olympics where they play host.
"Japan has full confidence in us (Malaysia), to provide all necessities for their halal journey, be it knowledge, technical expertise and more importantly integrity to impart the authentic or the true teachings of Islam with regards to halal," he said.

He said Malaysia should strive to champion 'knowledge creation' related to halal and become an enabler of knowledge-based services to other countries such as Japan.

The deputy minister said as an enabler, Malaysia must work collaboratively to develop best practices in halal that is holistic yet user friendly to all.

The two-day conference which ends tomorrow and organised by the Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies (ACIS), UiTM, is to provide an international platform for researchers, academicians and industry players to present latest research and development findings. — Bernama