Amirudin wants stern action against slaughterhouses breaching halal standards

SHAH ALAM: Strict action, including prosecution, must be taken against owners of slaughterhouses found violating operating procedures, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said.

He said regular inspections of slaughterhouses and fresh chicken processing facilities should also be stepped up to ensure compliance with established procedures and standards.

He said cooperation between halal certification bodies and local authorities must be strengthened to ensure consistent monitoring of the premises.

"Raids have already been conducted, and what needs to follow is firm action, including prosecution, so that enforcement can be carried out in accordance with the law.

"Certification bodies and local authorities must work together. Regular inspections should be conducted to ensure that sensitive operations, such as slaughterhouses, comply with the required procedures and standards," he told reporters after the symbolic handover ceremony for the Selangor Nutrition Programme here today.

Amirudin said the state government also welcomed complaints and information from the public to assist the authorities in investigating and monitoring such premises.

He said cooperation among all relevant authorities was essential to ensure slaughterhouse operations were properly monitored.

On Friday, authorities raided a Puchong warehouse and seized more than 6.5 tonnes of raw chicken suspected of being processed without complying with halal certification standards.

The premises were found to be using an electric water-bath stunning method.

Twelve Bangladeshi and Pakistani men, believed to be involved in the slaughtering and processing activities, were also detained.