Compliance With The Internal Halal Assurance System Among Food Service Operators In Melaka

Internal Halal Assurance System (SJHD) is a system that plays an important role in the halal certification. Through this system,the integrity of halal food can be preserved throughout the different stages of food processing,thereby ensuring the provision of a quality and halal food.Consistent with the efforts to gain recognition as the global halal hub,Malaysia has imposed certification for the provision of halal food.Although food service operators are increasing seeking for halal certificate from respective authorities,little is known whether they fully comply with the standards set by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM). Therefore,this study investigated the compliance of the internal halal assurance system among food service operators in the state of Melaka.39 food service operators who have obtained halal certification volunteered to participate in a self-administered questionnaire to identify the extent to which internal halal assurance system is implemented in food premises. The results of this study found that food service operators were committed to comply with the halal assurance system.Further,analysis across the four critical points, showed that the food service operators gave emphasis on the cleanliness and quality of food,but they deemphasised the establishment of the internal committee.This implies that their understanding of the compliance with the halal assurance system is limited to documentation,cleanliness and quality food only,ignoring the importance of establishing internal committee. Therefore,this research could indirectly bring awareness to operators of food premises in Malacca to enhance the implementation of halal assurance system