UMP contributes expertise in the development of halal products in Japan

Japan - A Halal Audit monitoring visit was held in the Land Of The Rising Sun at two food processing facilities. Dr. Farhan Mohd Said, from Faculty of Chemical and Natural Resources Engineering (FKKSA) Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) participated in the visit together with the auditors from Muslim Professional Japan Association (MPJA). 

The expertise and experience of Dr. Farhan in the field of food processing technology has made her to be appointed as a Fatwa commission member MPJA, Japan. The appointment is also recognized by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), Malaysia. 

MPJA is one of the pioneer organizations of halal information resources in Japan and the main objective of its establishment is to assist and disseminate knowledge and information on Islamic way of life to Japanese society. Besides conducts Halal auditing and certification which meets international quality standards.

“During the visit, firstly, the audit team was brought to an enzyme drink processing plant, Dainichi Seiyaku Co. Ltd. that is located in Gifu, the capital of Central Japan. While, the second venue was at a slaughter house, Zenkai Meat Corporation that is located in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto, at Kyushu Island,” said Dr. Farhan who led the visit. 

She added, UMP is the Technical Fatwa commission member, together with the MPJA auditors. The audit monitoring agenda went well, flourished with good discussions and exchanges of information on the Halal concept between MPJA auditors, companies and representatives of the Fatwa commission member. Improvement measures were also discussed to further enhance the production process to be carried out in accordance to the Islamic shariah and standards.

The main objective of the visit was to monitor the Halal auditing process conducted by the MPJA in Japan. In addition, the visit also aimed to share the knowledge and information related to the audit process and it was a two-pronged approach, as Fatwa commission member providing advice and guidance on the proper aspects of auditing, Fatwa members also acquired exposure and experience on the situation and the implementation of the Halal auditing system and acceptance of the Halal concept in Japan which is a non-Muslim country. In addition, this visit was also intended to examine some Halal-related technical issues to be used as a reference in the development of UMP Halal unit (co-operation of FKKSA, PBMSK and UMPH staff).
 
The fruitful results of the visit have provided exposure on the awareness of non-Muslims in non-Muslim country on the importance of the Halal concept. Halal is not only a matter of hygiene but also take into account on product safety. In addition, the visit also promoted UMP Halal unit in Japan and created more collaborative opportunities between UMP, JAKIM and Halal agencies in Japan such as MPJA in the future.
 
In general, MPJA is chaired by Akmal Abu Hassan, as Managing Director. This visiting program was initiated by the effort by Dr. Azizan Ramli from FKKSA, UMP, which linked between UMP and MPJA.