Knowledge and practice for implementing internal halal assurance system among halal executives

Abstract

Food premises that have secured the Halal Certification should comply with the requirements of the Internal Halal Assurance System (IHAS) in their premises. Internal Halal Assurance System (IHAS) is a system that ensures the integrity of halal food at the processing stage, thereby ensuring the production of halal and quality food. Although there is an increase in the number of food premises receive the Halal certificate by the Malaysian Islamic bodies, the continuous implementation of the IHAS at the respective food premises is still questionable. To ensure a sustainable practice of complying with the Halal certification system, this study aimed to investigate the knowledge and skills of the implementing the IHAS among the executives at the respective food premises. This study adopted a qualitative research approach using interview technique on 39 executives at the halal food premises throughout the State of Malacca. It was found that the halal executives implemented the IHAS mainly based on their knowledge in Islam as they lack of knowledge on the requirements of IHAS. Therefore, it is suggested that they should be given continuous training so that a sustainable implementation of IHAS at the food premises can be achieved. This can contribute to the good practice of delivering quality and safe food at the food premises.