Overview of the Different Halal Certification Scheme in Malaysia

Malaysia is a pioneer in establishing halal assurance system. Efforts included intiating halal control management systems with standards and guidelines for key players. This paper aims to review the different halal schemes available in Malaysia to differentiate and find underlying issues. Today, nine halal certification schemes are available namely food and beverages, food premise, consumer goods, cosmetics) pharmaceuticals, logistics, slaughterhouse, original equipment manufacturing (OEM), and medical devices. Each scheme has the potential to contribute to the halal industry and bring great returns to the economy. Based on the literature, issues with the halal industry includes the complexity of the halal ecosystem and halal status assurance and authentication. These two issues can be problematic but cosntant work is carried out to find solutions. Harmonization between the
different components in the ecosystem has to take place. Methods of authentication for various products and services can help verify the halal status of products and services while traceability and Internet of Things can facilitate the entire process. Future work has to factor in possible new areas that would require a unique halal certification scheme to be developed. The understanding of halal in totality is encouraged so that halal assurance matters can bring benefit to all.