The Sabah government has taken a firm stance on the issue of halal meat, assuring the public that any seized products, particularly frozen chicken or meat with questionable halal status, will never be auctioned or sold. This commitment comes amid growing concerns about food safety and halal certification in the region.

Ensuring Food Safety: The Role of Veterinary Services

Datuk Seri Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan, the State Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Industry, emphasized the authority of the Veterinary Services Department (DVS) in enforcing regulations related to food safety. He explained that DVS is responsible for seizing goods that lack valid import licenses or violate licensing conditions. However, he clarified that the DVS does not have the authority to verify halal certificates independently.

To address this gap, Kitingan highlighted the importance of collaboration with religious authorities and other relevant agencies to ensure that the halal status of products is properly assessed. “Enforcement operations regarding halal status must be conducted in partnership with the appropriate authorities,” he stated, underscoring the need for a coordinated approach to food safety.

Collaborative Efforts to Combat Smuggling

In his remarks, Kitingan also pointed out that the DVS works closely with various agencies, including the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, the General Operations Force (PGA), and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), to conduct integrated enforcement operations. These collaborative efforts aim to combat smuggling and ensure that seized goods are disposed of properly, preventing any questionable products from reaching the market.

“All seized items are completely disposed of to protect Muslim consumers from potentially unsafe products,” he assured, reinforcing the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health and maintaining the integrity of halal certification.

Addressing Public Concerns

(Photo: The Halal Times)

Kitingan’s statements came in response to a question from Sarifuddin Hata (Warisan–Merotai) regarding the status of frozen meat that had been reported in the media. The minister provided transparency about the actions taken by the DVS, revealing that between 2022 and the previous year, the department confiscated a staggering 281,635 kilograms of frozen chicken and issued fines totaling RM431,818.

A Commitment to Halal Integrity

The Sabah government’s proactive measures to ensure that suspicious halal meat does not enter the market reflect a strong commitment to food safety and consumer protection. By enhancing collaboration among various agencies and maintaining strict enforcement of regulations, the government aims to uphold the integrity of halal certification and protect the interests of Muslim consumers. As concerns about food safety continue to grow, these efforts are crucial in fostering public trust and confidence in the halal food supply chain.

Original Article:

New Straits Times. (2025, April 14). Sabah assures suspicious halal meat will never enter market. https://www.nst.com.my/amp/news/nation/2025/04/1202914/sabah-assures-suspicious-halal-meat-will-never-enter-market