JAKIM`S HALAL HUB DIVISION STARTS OPERATIONS OFFICIALLY

PUTRAJAYA, July 31 (Bernama) -- The Halal Hub Division of Malaysia's Islamic
Development Department (Jakim), which is based in Cyberjaya, will officially
start its operations and management of halal certification Saturday.

A statement issued by Jakim Friday said that the start of the operations was
in line with the decision made by the Malaysian Cabinet on July 8 to return to
Jakim the responsibility of managing Malaysian halal certification for local and
overseas products with the Malaysian halal logo.

"This handover of responsibility marks the transfer of halal certification
process back to Jakim after it was taken over by the Halal Industry Development
Corporation (HDC) in April 2008," the statement said.

With this, all applications for halal certification, audit process,
monitoring, and enforcement will be fully managed by Jakim.

On the halal certificates issued by HDC previously, Jakim said they will be
valid until the end of the given term after which they would have to be renewed
by Jakim.

For further information, people have been advised to call 03-83150200
or fax to 03-83187044. They could also visit the www.halal.gov.my website.

Cyberjaya is a planned township with a science park as the core that forms a
key part of Malayisa's Multimedia Super Corridor.
-- BERNAMA