Fadilah Abd Rahman

Ethical Aspect of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis: An Islamic Overview

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is an early form of prenatal diagnosis, in which embryos created in vitro are analyzed for well-defined genetic defects. With the advancements in science and technology, PGD can now be used to screen embryos for susceptibility and late-onset conditions, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching for tissue donation to an existing child, gender selection, and selecting embryos for certain traits. In Malaysia, PGD is being practiced especially in certain private fertility clinics and fertility centers. This technique, however, has raised certain ethical issues, particularly on its use to select the gender of ones’ children. Such controversy has prompted out due to the fact that there has been no clear ethical position. In view of the controversial phenomenon, this research attempts to explore the position of the uses of PGD from the ethical aspect with special reference to Islamic perspectives. The study will be conducted using qualitative research in which data are collected through library research. It is hopeful that the finding of this paper can provide the basic guideline to the authoritative bodies and policy makers in developing the legal provision of PGD by taking into consideration certain principles laid down by Islam.

MS2400-1:2010 Certification for Hauliers: A Risks Mitigating Solution?

This paper aims to highlight the benefit of using Halal certified haulier services as compared to conventional hauliers. It discussed the advantages of MS2400-1:2010 in regulating Halal certified hauliers as compared to conventional rules applicable to all hauliers. The standard applicable to halal hauliers is comparatively higher as it requires the haulier to conform to Halalan Toyibban principle. The paper employs exploratory method as the subject researched has not been clearly discussed. To achieve its objective, the paper fuses principles, concepts and theories derived from legal, transportation and Halal perspective. The novelty of this paper is it promotes the idea of exclusive use of Halal hauliers as a transporter of choice for MS1500:2009 subscriber as a way to mitigate risks in transporting Halal goods (with special reference to food). The finding of this paper shows that the standard affecting Halal hauliers would significantly improve the haulier standard of care for services provided.

A Critical Review of the Muslim-Friendly Hospitality Services Standard (MS 2610:2015) in Malaysia

The booming of Muslim travellers from the Middle East, Western Asia and other Islamic countries leads to the emergence of Muslim-friendly hospitality concept in fulfilling the necessity of Muslims travellers. Malaysia has now positioned itself as a global halal hub, and now it is moving forwards to becoming the preferred tourist destination for Muslim tourists by establishing a new standard namely MS 2610:2015 Muslim-friendly hospitality services—Requirements. It has been developed to ensure the quality of tourism products and services provided for Muslim travellers is in line within the parameter of Shariah principles. This paper aims to achieve three objectives, i.e. first: to describe the requirements concerning accommodation of Muslim-friendly hospitality services as stated in the MS 2610:2015, second: to identify areas of loopholes and drawbacks of the standard which need further improvements and refinements, and third: to propose recommendations that could potentially be used to further improve the newly introduced standard of MS 2610:2015 in the future. In achieving these, the study adopts qualitative method and employs library research for its data collection. It is believed that the outcomes of this study would provide useful inputs for the policy makers and industry players in improving the current standard in the years to come.

Optimizing the Role and Responsibility of the Shariah Committee: From Islamic Finance to the Halal Industry

Governance is a method that an organization adopts to ensure that components of the organization follow the set rules, regulation, policies and processes. Whereas Good Governance is described as the striving for rule of law, transparency, responsiveness, participation, equity, effectiveness, efficiency, accountability, and strategic vision in the exercise of political, economic, and administrative authority. Shariah governance is another important set of institutional and organizational arrangements in the development of any Shariah-based industry particularly in Islamic finance industry in Malaysia. In the context of IFIs, Shariah governance ensures that there is effective independent oversight of Shariah compliance over the issuance of relevant Shariah pronouncements, dissemination of information and an internal Shariah compliance review in Islamic Financial Institutions (IFIs). In Malaysia, this is governed by the Shariah Governance Framework (Central Bank of Malaysia in Shariah Governance Framework for Islamic Financial Institutions, 2010) for the IFIs which was developed and introduced by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). In view of the importance of developing a proper SGF for the halal industry other than Islamic finance, this paper describe in-depth of the SGF currently in force in this country. In so doing focus is given to the appointment of SC members, its significant and the roles that it plays in ensuring Shariah compliance. In the event, this paper recommend that it essentially indispensable for the halal industry to also having a proper SGF in place. To achieve this, it is submitted that the current SGF of the IFIs could be well adopted as a good model of Shariah Governance. However, as the need of one category of business might differ from the rest, this recommends that certain modifications should be made in order to meet the difference of needs respective sectors.

Poultry Feed in Malaysia: An Insight into the Halalan Toyyiban Issues

Animal feed is any single or multiple materials whether processed, semi-processed or raw, which is intended to be fed directly to food-producing animals, including feedstuffs, ingredients, additives and supplements. In Malaysia, a lot of issues had arisen with regard to the Halal integrity of the animal feed. The safety of the animal feed had also been discussed and attracted the attention of the society not only in Malaysia but also in other parts of the world. This paper highlights some of the Halalan Toyyiban issues related to poultry feed and feeding practices in Malaysia. Halalan Toyyiban exemplifies ‘lawful’ and ‘wholesome’ in Islamic context which also relates to the safety issues of the poultry feed. Therefore, it utilizes qualitative approach via library research. Through content analysis technique, journal articles obtained from online journal database as well as relevant references such as books, articles in magazines, discussions in the public forum and conferences are being critically analysed. The study demonstrates that among the toyyib or safety issues concerned include the use of certain unsuitable ingredients that may stimulate toxic contamination and sometimes result in higher levels of bacteria in food-producing animals. This paper will look into microbiological contamination as well as chemical hazards which may cause food injurious to the health of the consumers. The outcome of this research shows that Halalan Toyyiban issues include among others the issue of feed containing non-Halal ingredients or filth, the practice of using growth-promoting antibiotics to reduce maturity time and increase mass, feed handling, usage of supplements extracted from swine, additives residue in meat and eggs and the use of Genetically Modified (GM) Feed, etc. The study concludes that there are a lot of issues concerning the Halalan Toyyiban status of poultry feed which calls for the need to improve the regulatory and enforcement system in Malaysia. It further recommends that the Halal certification authority should consider to include certification of poultry feed under its Halal certification scheme.

Conceptual Framework for Shari’ah Governance with Special Reference to the Muslim Friendly Hotel Sector in Malaysia

It has been a goal of the Malaysian Government to establish Malaysia as a global halal hub. To achieve this objective, various initiatives have been undertaken which include the establishment of the Halal Master Plan, Halal Industry Development Corporation, appointment of Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) as the halal certification authority and development of a number of halal standards. This paper conceptually discusses the current legal and regulatory framework for the halal industry in Malaysia with special reference made to the Muslim Friendly Hotel sector. Reviews of various related documents demonstrate that there is a lacuna in the existence of a governance framework for the halal industry, which includes the absence of a halal standard for the Muslim Friendly Hotel sector. Another serious drawback identified in this regulatory framework is the lack of a clear and proper shari’ah governance framework for the halal industry. This paper therefore proposes that there is an urgent need for the policy makers to develop such a comprehensive halal standard for Muslim Friendly Hotels in this country. Establishing a comprehensive shari’ah governance framework for the halal Industry is inadvertently another crucial part that needs to be addressed by the relevant authorities to ensure further development of the halal industry in Malaysia. It is hoped that this paper will create alarm among the policymakers, key hotel operators, and regulatory bodies so that a more comprehensive and updated piece of shari’ah framework that governs the formation of the Muslim Friendly Hotels sector will be formulated.

Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD): Halal Perspective

Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is an early form of prenatal diagnosis, in which embryos created in vitro are analysed for well-defined genetic defects; only those free from the defects are replaced into the womb. The ability to screen for a variety of characteristics has led to disagreement over what conditions are acceptable for screening. From its emergence, PGD has been opposed by a variety of parties and groups who advocate several grounds and reasons. The disagreement focuses especially on the new uses of PGD to screen embryos for susceptibility and late-onset conditions, for HLA-matching for tissue donation to an existing child, and for gender selection. This paper first describes the current and potential future uses of PGD and addresses some ethical issues which have arisen from this technique. It further analyses the position of this technique from the halal perspective. The finding of this study demonstrates that PGD is an acceptable technique, but with certain restrictions and conditions.

Ethics of Food Handlers Throughout the Supply Chain in the Halal Food Industry: Halal Perspective

It has been shown by the previous studies that most incidences of foodborne illnesses worldwide and in Malaysia were largely caused by the poor observance of ethical aspects from the part of those involved in the preparation, processing, handling and production of in food premises, i.e. the food handlers. In the food industry, food handlers play very important roles, as they are the ones who prepare, process and handle food which are eventually consumed by the end-users, i.e. the consumers. Hence, the quality of food prepared, produced, storaged, transported, distributed and served to the end consumers depends very much on the ethics practiced by the food handlers throughout the halal food supply chain. In view of their important role, as well as to safeguard the interest of the public, most government have drawn certain laws, regulations, guidelines and standards that emphasize on the ethical aspects of food handlers. This paper analyses some ethical issues of food handlers in the halal food industry, with special reference to the hygienic and sanitary aspect of food handlers. It further appraises sanitation and hygienic practices and behaviours of food handlers from the halal perspective.

Talaqqi Method in Teaching and Learning for the Preservation of Islamic Knowledge: Developing the Basic Criteria

Islamic pedagogy was first implemented and practised by the Prophet (PBUH) during the first Quranic revelation, which took place between the Prophet and Jibril AS. Later, the Prophet (PBUH) transferred the revelation to his companions in the same way. This method is called talaqqi. The companions in turn narrated it to the tabi’ tabiin and again, using the same methodology. They acquired knowledge in front of, and directly from the words, deeds and tacit approval of the Prophet (PBUH). Apparently, this kind of teaching and learning methodology is highly recommended by the religion of Islam. In fact, it has been the tradition of the Prophet (PBUH) which was taught to his followers long ago. Talaqqi method would benefit the Muslims as it helps for the preservation of the authenticity of knowledge and avoidance of misunderstanding and misinterpretation on the part of those intending to tamper against the good name of Islam. The main objective of this study is to identify the basic criteria for the safeguarding of the authenticity of Islamic knowledge via the talaqqi method. The second objective is to identify the talaqqi system practised by a selected pondok in Kedah that conduct Islamic studies using talaqqi method. This study employs library research methodolgy. In addition, interviews with teachers in the selected pondoks are also conducted. The results of this study further propose the basic criteria guidelines for Muslims in its endeavour to safeguarding the authenticity of knowledge via the method of talaqqi.

Halal Feed for Halal Food: An Exploratory Study of the Malaysian Legal and Regulatory Framework on Animal Feed

Animal feed is one of the important aspects in halal supply chain. Muslims believe that feeding animal with haram animal by-products will lead to adulteration of the animal which makes the animal unsuitable for Muslim consumption. Offensive findings by Federal Agricultural and Marketing Authority (FAMA) and Universiti Sains Malaysia in 2010 revealed that forty percentage of feed manufacturers in the country use mixed animal-based materials in animal feed, thus creating doubt of the halal integrity of animals fed with such feeds. The issue of cultivated fish being fed with animal by-products (pig intestines) which was exposed in 2006 has exasperating Muslim in the country. Following that, animals that are being fed with non-halal feed were decreed as haram by the Malaysian National Fatwa Council. However, under JAKIM’s Halal Certification Procedure Manual, animal feeds are categorized under uncertifiable products. This study attempts to explore and look into the existing Malaysian legal and regulatory framework relating to animal feeding and to describe the importance of halal assurance system in animal feed regulation. The study utilizes qualitative approach using library research. The finding of the study demonstrates that despite the existence of specific legislation governing animal feed-related matters in Malaysia, none of the legislation addresses the issues of halal animal feed in terms of its ingredients, processing, production, etc. The fact that there have been issues arising concerning animal feed in this country dictates that are certain improvements that need to be made to the current legal and regulatory framework on animal feed in Malaysia. These would include inclusion of certain important elements and requirements for the production, importation, manufacture, sale, and use of halal feed. It is further suggested that amendment should also be done to JAKIM’s Halal Certification Procedure Manual, wherein the animal feed should be included as one of the products that are certifiable by JAKIM under its halal certification scheme.