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SINGAPORE – The Singapore Islamic Religious Council (Muis) and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) are investigating allegations raised about the packaging and sale of halal certified meat by a cartel in Malaysia to determine whether the Singapore market is affected by the alleged misconduct.
Recent media reports in Malaysia have alleged that the cartel smuggles, repackages and re-labels non-halal frozen meat products as halal certified, the two organizations noted in a joint statement on Tuesday (December 29).
Muis and SFA said that only meat and meat products from SFA-accredited overseas establishments can be imported into Singapore, and these imported products are also subject to the agency’s food safety surveillance program to ensure they meet the requirements of import and regulatory standards.
Meat that is imported for the Muslim market and Muis certificate holders must also meet halal requirements.
“Muis assures the public that halal certified meat products that are legally imported into Singapore can be eaten with confidence,” he said, adding that consumers are advised to exercise caution when purchasing meat products abroad.
Noting that messages have circulated on social media expressing concern that frozen meat products may have been imported into Singapore, and that alleged irregularities in the importation and packaging of halal meat may also be occurring in the Republic, Muis and SFA said they are looking into the matter.
Muis said he is seeking more information from the relevant authority in Malaysia and urged people not to spread rumors and to verify that their information comes from credible sources.
In Malaysia, several non-governmental organizations, including the Malaysian Muslim Halal Meat Importers Association, have carried out police reports on the scandal.
The Malaysian newspaper New Straits Times reported earlier this month that the meat cartel had been operating for the past 40 years, importing meat from uncertified halal sources.
Some 1,500 tonnes of frozen meat worth RM30 million (S $ 9.8 million), fake labels and rubber stamps were seized during a raid on a warehouse in Senai, Johor.
The cartel is currently under investigation by the Malaysian Special Investigation Unit.
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