Brunei-Muara- Australian and Canadian manufacturers have indicated an interest in using in the sukaruite`s halal accreditation said acting director from agriculture department, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the State Mufti`s Office and the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources (MIPR) on the publication of two books about Brunei`s Premium Halal Brand yesterday.
Acting Director of Agriculture Department, Hajah Normah Suria Hayati PJDSM Dato Seri Utama (Dr) Haji Mohd Jamil Al-Sufri told The Brunei Times, with the interests shown, the distribution of books during the international Halal Products Expo later this year.
In her opening speech during the signing, the acting director said the initiative by MIPR to elevate the local halal industry is aligned with the cooperation between the ministry and the state Mufti`s office, as a platform to refer to the hukum (rules or laws) and fatwa (religious edict)-related to halal issues.
As an Islamic country, the strength of the country lies in its strong Islamic teachings and administration.
This niche advantage can be capitalised upon to allow the sultanate to compete in the international market - an industry valued at US$600 billion.
She said; through this cooperation with the State Mufti`s Office, other cooperation in various fields, can further add strength or advantages for the country.
The State Mufti`s Office Administration Director, Dato Paduka Ahmad Bukhari PSRK Haji Abu Hanifah also noted that the landmark event could encourage more cooperation.
The ceremony yesterday was geared towards the production of two books covering issues on halal products, compiled from the collection of the State Mufti`s fatwa from 1994 to 2006, as well as a book on animal slaughtering and meat management, which is a collection of fatwa from the former Mufti, the late Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Seri Utama Dr Haji Ismail Omar Abdul Aziz as well as those from the current State mufti,, Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Abdul Aziz Juned from the period of 1962 to 1999.
Source: www.brudirect.com (12 Juli 2007)
