The Academia's Multidisciplinary Approaches in Providing Education, Scientific Training and Services to the Malaysian Halal Industry

Abstract: The major challenge faced by the Halal industry is the shortage of knowledgeable work force thatunderstands syariah requirements and implementing this theoretical knowledge into actual industrial practice.This paper highlights a multi-disciplinary approach towards Halal education, scientific training and services.As a multi-racial country, in Malaysia, one needs not necessarily become a Muslim, in order to be activelyinvolved in the Halal services and production line. Ignorance, confusion or deliberate fraudulent practiceswill consequently result in the presence of adulterants or contaminants in the product, making it Haram orSyubhah with negative consequence on Halal branding. The Halal integrity and values are thus compromised.The Malaysian Standard MS 1500:2009 and the Trade Description Act 2011 are legal guidelines, mandatory forthe acquiring of the Malaysian Halal logo. Understanding the principles and practices ofHalalan andthoyyiban, with hands-on knowledge that meets industrial needs and demand, is necessary to cater for the rapidexpansion of the Halal industry and to achieve compliance. As a niche-comprehensive university, UniversitiSains Islam Malaysia have collaborated with the Halal industry and government agencies in the developmentand implementation of training modules for meat slaughterers, laboratory analysts and those involved in theareas of food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and consumer goods. The Halal Executive Program with HDC wasdone, to fulfill the needs for trained human resources for the monitoring and surveillance agencies. This holisticinitiative of combining syariah knowledge with technology has benefited the Halal industry, the NGOs,education system and the Muslim communities and consumers.

Key words: Multi-disciplinary Halal Assurance Education Capacity building