Malaysia: Country Status on Agribiotechnology and Islam

The issue of Halal (permissibility) is very close to Muslim society in Malaysia. Withthe advancement of food technology - such as agribiotechnology - in the world today,Muslim demand answers and explanations on the permissibility of products derivedfrom such technologies. On the other hand, a verified halal certificate for such productsis urgently required. Thus, the government of Malaysia - especially through NationalFatwa Committee, JAKIM etc.- is working to development policy and system for halalcertification in Malaysia. This paper explains briefly the process of halal certification inMalaysia.