Impediment factors to successful usage of online halal certification

Abstract

Purpose of the study: The purpose of this paper is to identify the impediment factors that hinder the successful usage of online halal certification. Methodology: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 representatives from 14 halal food companies in Melaka, Malaysia. The respondents had used the system either to apply for new halal certificates or to renew the existing ones. The identification of the impediment factor was a part of the fulfillment of the translation process by Actor-Network Theory (ANT) during the process of problematization, interessement, enrollment, and mobilization. Identifying the impediment factors was conducted during the first translation stage of problematization. Main Findings: The findings indicate that there are three impediment factors that hinder the successful usage of MYeHalal system. The factors were categorized into three categories, namely, applicants' problem, technical problem, and operational problem. The applicants' problems were caused by the applicants themselves, while the technical problems were caused by the non-performing dysfunctions of the technology, and lastly, the operational problems were caused by the inefficiency of the certifier in fulfilling the tasks and providing the services to applicants. Applications of this study: The identification of these impediment factors will help halal applicants to be aware of the important elements before submitting their application via MYeHalal system. Further, this study will help to enlighten the ways to improve the performance of the system and make it convenient to be used and managed by both halal applicants and JAKIM as the certifier body. Originality: This paper is the first to discuss the inefficiency issues in the usage of online halal certification, since it was first introduced in Malaysia.