Singapore is a multi-racial multi-religious country with almost 20% of its population being muslims.
Businesses, both in the HoReCa and manufacturing sectors, have strived to obtain the Halal certification so as to expand their market share in this highly competitive food industry.
However, for some businesses that do not manage to get their certification, they have resorted to using the ‘No Pork No Lard’ mark to tempt muslim patrons or customers. To many customers, this mark is good enough for them to patronise the stores although this could connote a lack of proper judgment as some of these stores could still be selling non-Halal products like alcoholic drinks.
Unfortunately, this issue needs to be further reviewed by the authoritities, including the local muslim religious body, MUIS, to ensure no further social frictions in the future. Halal is a sensitive issue to many muslims, and to be misled into consuming products that are not properly certified could also mean a serious break of the religious tenet of Islam.
To many businesses, once after gaining the Halal certification, they often slag and do not follow the proper protocols like having muslim staff to supervise the operation site at all times. This needs to be further scrutinised and monitored. Heavier fines should be imposed on companies that do not follow the regulations, including stripping them off the Halal certification.
