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SINGAPORE: Singapore authorities are investigating allegations to determine whether non-halal frozen meat products that have been relabelled as certified halal for sale in Malaysia have affected the Singapore market.
There have been several reports in Malaysia of an alleged Malaysian-based meat cartel union smuggling, repackaging and re-labeling non-halal frozen meat items as halal certified for sale in Malaysia, said the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA) in a joint statement on Tuesday (December 29).
“MUIS notes that the Malaysian authorities have issued statements that they are investigating the matter and urging the public not to speculate on the outcome of the investigation or spread rumors,” the joint statement said.
“MUIS also notes that messages have circulated on social media expressing concern that this frozen meat from Malaysia could also have been imported into Singapore, or that the alleged irregularities in the importation and packaging of halal meat could also have taken place in Singapore. . .
“MUIS and the SFA are investigating the allegations raised to determine whether the alleged wrongdoing affects the Singapore market.”
MUIS is writing to the relevant Malaysian authorities to request more information. SFA and MUIS reminded the public to verify information from credible sources and not to spread rumors.
POLICE REPORTS MADE IN MALAYSIA
On Tuesday, several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Malaysia made police reports on the meat cartel scandal, Bernama reported.
On Tuesday (December 29), several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Malaysia made police reports about the meat cartel scandal. (Photo: Bernama)
The president of the Muslim Association of Halal Meat Importers of Malaysia, Dr. Mohd Noor Ali Akbar, said his association and the other NGOs urged the Malaysian government to act quickly in response to public concern on the issue.
“The importation of meat must be rigorously reviewed and controlled, as the public must clearly know. This issue needs complete clarification as it involves the public interest,” he said.
“We as meat importers agreed that a Royal Commission of Inquiry be established to investigate whether the existing standard operating procedure is already sufficient or needs to be improved,” he told Bernama after filing a report at the Dang Wangi police headquarters. in Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysian media reported on a poster bringing frozen meat from China, Ukraine, Brazil and Argentina, and repackaging the meat with the halal logo at a warehouse in Senai, Johor.
A frozen meat importer allegedly involved in the Johor meat cartel scandal will be indicted in court Wednesday for using false halal logos on his vehicles, Bernama reported.
“SOUND PROCESS” IN PLACE: MUIS, SFA
MUIS and SFA said that only meat and meat products from foreign SFA-accredited establishments can be imported into Singapore.
Imported meat and meat products are also subject to SFA’s food safety surveillance program to ensure they meet import requirements and regulatory standards.
“Also, meat that is imported for the Muslim market and MUIS certificate holders must meet halal requirements,” MUIS and SFA said.
“MUIS has a robust process to ensure that imported meat certified by foreign certification bodies meets our specific requirements. MUIS assures the public that halal certified meat products that are legally imported into Singapore can be consumed with confidence. “
MUIS and SFA advise consumers to “be careful” when buying meat products abroad.
