Minister in charge of Islamic affairs Mujahid Yusof Rawa today urged the anti-graft agency to investigate a news portal’s claim that officers from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) had sought bribes in return for halal certification for food producers.
He acknowledged that an internal investigation is already ongoing but said the allegations could be “business driven” as they had come in the form of a general statement without specifics.
“Jakim’s halal logos and certification are one of the world’s most trusted. Of course, we are upset to hear stories like these and we have begun an internal probe.
“We hope to get a clearer picture from the probe. I am not happy with the claims. I also want the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate the matter,” he said after launching an event today.
On Nov 7, Hong Kong-based news portal Asia Sentinel claimed that Jakim officers had been asking for bribes to register meat handling and processing outfits, including small businesses such as food and beverage outlets.
The portal also named a top official allegedly behind the scheme. – FMT