Latest news with #halal
Free Malaysia Today
a day ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
How Zuhaymee's hunt for halal tofu sparked soybean biz
Mie Soya Enterprise owner Zuhaymee Mustapa and wife Nor Aza Jais with a selection of products made at their factory in Sikamat, Seremban. (Bernama pic) SEREMBAN : When he experienced difficulty obtaining halal soy-based products, one former soldier decided to start producing them himself 30 years ago. Zuhaymee Mustapa, 56, said his concerns over the hygiene and preparation of commercially sold products inspired him to come up with a trusted option for consumers, especially Muslims. 'Back then, it was quite hard to find soy products made by Muslims. I thought it would be great to start something that focused on quality, so the products would have a unique taste and texture, and most importantly be halal. 'For example, it used to be hard to get halal white tofu and puffed tofu made by Bumiputeras. That's what drove me to start my business and keep going. I want to make sure our products stay on the market,' said Zuhaymee, who retired from the armed forces in 2001. The owner of Mie Soya Enterprise said his three workers have also been taught to maintain cleanliness and start work by reciting verses from the Quran as a way of seeking blessings in the business. The father of three also assures consumers that every product from his company has been halal-certified by the Islamic development department. Check out this beautiful slab of tofu, sliced and ready for packaging and distribution. (Bernama pic) Recalling the early days, Zuhaymee said he started by selling soymilk and tau foo fa on a small scale in 1995, delivering them door to door on a tricycle and at night markets. Determined to expand his business, he set up a factory in Taman Jujur, Sikamat, in 2006 to process soy-based products including white tofu, fried tofu, tempeh (fermented soybeans), and puffed tofu. 'Before my factory, I used to make all the products at home. I received RM20,000 in assistance from the Seremban district agriculture department and a grant from the finance ministry, which helped me grow the business,' he said. The Kedah native admitted that breaking into the market was challenging, especially given that soy products are commonly linked to the Chinese community. But through hard work and a commitment to quality, he has won over many customers. 'Alhamdulillah, our products are now known not just in Negeri Sembilan but in almost every state except Sabah and Sarawak, because of the long distance and the risk of damage during shipping,' he explained. Soybeans being weighed before they are placed in a grinder at Zuhaymee's factory, which is open to visitors daily except on Sundays. (Bernama pic) According to Zuhaymee, they produce 6,000 pieces of tempeh, 2,000 pieces of white tofu, 8,000 pieces of puffed tofu and 2,000 pieces of fried tofu for retailers, including restaurants, daily. The soybeans are imported from Canada and the United States. Zuhaymee, who is assisted by his wife Nor Aza Jais, 50, recalled that they once lost thousands of ringgit when a power outage spoiled 60 litres of soymilk. 'We take it as a lesson that keeps us prepared for whatever might come, and we try to stay positive. I hope we can continue making halal products,' he said. He also invites visitors to his factory, which is open daily from 8.30am to 1pm except on Sundays. Mie Soya Enterprise 271, Jalan Jujur Kanan, Taman Jujur, Sikamat, 70400 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan For more information, visit Mie Soya Enterprise's website and Facebook profile.
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Jakim, Domestic Trade Ministry step up checks on halal certificate holders after Melaka hotel breaches
PUTRAJAYA, May 30 — The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim), in collaboration with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), is actively working to monitor and enforce compliance among halal certificate holders nationwide, ensuring that businesses uphold halal standards according to established guidelines. Jakim director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee said this was to ensure halal certificate holders comply fully with the conditions set under their certification. 'In terms of monitoring and enforcement, we at Jakim are working closely with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) because the authority under the Trade Descriptions Act and the Trade Descriptions Order (Halal Definition) 2011 falls under its jurisdiction,' he told reporters after the Jakim monthly assembly here today. He said this when asked on the withdrawal of the halal certificate issued to two hotels in Banda Hilir, Melaka, recently. The action was taken after they were found hosting 'alcohol parties' two weeks ago. Sirajuddin said Jakim viewed the incident seriously and would never compromise with anyone in cases involving the misuse of halal certificates in the country. Regarding the issuance of halal certificates, he said Jakim remains committed to continuously enhancing and streamlining the application and approval processes to ensure greater efficiency and benefit for all stakeholders. 'We are focused on improving and expediting the certificate issuance process so that it can better serve businesses and the public, while maintaining the integrity of our halal certification standards,' he said. — Bernama
Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Makiplago unveils mega pavilion for MIHAS 2025 to connect halal SMEs with global markets
PETALING JAYA, May 29 — The Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2025 will feature the largest-ever pavilion dedicated to connecting Malaysia's halal small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with international markets. Makiplago Sdn Bhd, the driving force behind this initiative, unveiled the Makiplago Pavilion during a soft launch ceremony today, in collaboration with key stakeholders and strategic partners. The event, held in anticipation of MIHAS 2025, showcased Makiplago's vision for an innovative trade ecosystem anchored by its Makiplago Harbour platform. Among the attendees were Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) exports promotion and market access division director Yusram Yusup, alongside industry leaders. Makiplago founder and chief executive officer Jamaluddin Ibrahim said the pavilion aims to strengthen links between Malaysia's halal SMEs and international markets, particularly in China and Asean. 'The Makiplago Harbour International Pavilion will be the largest at MIHAS 2025, spanning over 1,240 square meters with more than 170 exhibitors. We aim for 50 per cent local participation and the rest from international exhibitors across Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Brunei, East Timor, and Papua New Guinea,' Jamaluddin said. The pavilion's design is based on five strategic pillars: • Port Klang trade base • Physical shopping malls and omni-channel retail • Halal chain convenience stores (M-Mart and Oriental-Mart) • Media, digital finance, and tokenisation via Makiplago Harbour Coin (MHC) • Wellness, elderly care, and halal lifestyle services During the event, Makiplago signed a memorandum of understanding with six foundational partners: Yayasan Gostrong Malaysia, Ancom Nylex Berhad, Delta Consult Ing Services Sdn Bhd, Glocal Link (M) Sdn Bhd, Asia Management & Consultancy Sdn Bhd, and Makiplago Sdn Bhd. The partnership aims to foster investment, procurement, and joint development in halal sector infrastructure, commerce, education, media, and wellness. The Makiplago Pavilion seeks to empower SMEs from Malaysia and China by providing direct access to over 2.2 billion Muslim consumers globally. This will be supported by initiatives such as live commerce via Radio Durian, curated halal products for M-Mart and Oriental-Mart, strategic investor engagement, and innovative digital finance solutions ensuring secure transactions. MIHAS 2025 is set to take place in September, marking another milestone in Malaysia's leadership within the global halal industry.
Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Lavender Bakery says products alcohol-free, sourced from halal-certified suppliers despite lacking Jakim certification
PETALING JAYA, May 29 – Popular Malaysian franchise Lavender Bakery has clarified that while it does not carry halal certification, its ingredients are sourced from certified suppliers and its products do not contain alcohol. In an official statement responding to social media allegations, the bakery said it had never claimed to be halal-certified but assured customers that items such as butter, oil, cheese, and sausages are obtained from suppliers with certification. 'We firmly clarify that our bakery items do not contain any alcohol. Any comments suggesting otherwise are inaccurate,' the bakery said. It added that it adheres to a strict 'No Pork, No Lard, No Alcohol' policy. The company also stated that it hold Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification, which it said demonstrates its commitment to maintaining high standards of food safety and hygiene across its operations. Lavender Bakery also expressed appreciation for public suggestions that it apply for Halal certification through the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim). 'We truly appreciate this thoughtful suggestion and will carefully consider it as we strive to enhance our service and customer trust,' it said.
Free Malaysia Today
6 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Halal certs of two 5-star hotels in Melaka revoked over ‘alcohol parties'
State religious affairs executive councillor Rahmad Mariman said the two five-star hotels admitted to organising the event. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The Melaka Islamic religious department has revoked the halal certification of two five-star hotels in the state for hosting 'alcohol parties' two weeks ago. State religious affairs executive councillor Rahmad Mariman said a raid found that kitchen equipment meant only for the preparation of halal food had been used during the events, Sinar Harian reported. '(The revocation of their halal certification) is in accordance with Clause 32(3)(a)(ii) of the Malaysian Halal Certification Procedure Manual (Domestic) 2020,' he was quoted as saying. Rahmad said the raid, conducted following complaints from the public, confirmed that the parties had taken place at the hotels. The hotels, which have been halal-certified for the past five years, also admitted to organising the event. He said the two hotels may apply for halal certification again within three months, but this would be subject to their compliance with the set requirements. 'If we are satisfied, the certificate may be reinstated. We hope this firm action will boost public confidence in halal-certified premises in Melaka,' he said, adding that 30 hotels in Melaka currently have halal certification.
