Latest news with #MalaysianIslamicDevelopmentDepartment
The Star
9 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Malaysia set to be halal hub for NZ products
WELLINGTON: Malaysia is poised to be a hub for halal products from New Zealand to enter the Asean market, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The Deputy Prime Minister said this comes after two organisations in New Zealand, which have obtained recognition from the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim), expressed interest in using Malaysia as a springboard to widen their export market. 'I have given them the opportunity to use Malaysia as a hub for the distribution of halal products from New Zealand to Asean nations,' he said after attending the Malaysia-New Zealand Halal Forum here yesterday. Ahmad Zahid said he had also proposed to halal industry players from New Zealand to attend the Malaysia International Halal Showcase 2025, which will be held in September in Kuala Lumpur. 'An announcement will be made during the event on joint efforts to set up the Asean Halal Council, comprising representation from Asean and Asean Plus. 'We invited the bodies that have obtained Jakim recognition to be part of the council,' he added. Ahmad Zahid said the goal of the council is to standardise halal certification among Asean nations as well as those in the surrounding region. 'This will be brought up as an agenda during the Asean Summit this October,' he added. Ahmad Zahid also said there is talk among several countries under the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to reactivate the dormant World Halal Council to include both Muslim and non-Muslim majority nations involved in halal products. He said this is crucial as the global halal market is expected to grow from the current US$1.3 trillion (RM5.5 trillion) annually to US$3.7 trillion (RM14.3 trillion) in 2030. 'The market is expected to grow to US$5 trillion (RM21.2 trillion) by 2050. 'Malaysia intends to tap 5% of this market,' he added. During the forum earlier, New Zealand's Biosecurity and Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard said Malaysia is a significant market for premium halal meat products, with exports of more than NZ$60mil (RM151mil). 'Malaysia is facilitating the approval of several New Zealand halal meat premises seeking first-time access to this market, which is crucial to growing exports,' he said. Earlier, Ahmad Zahid and Hoggard witnessed the exchange of letters of intent between Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and the University of Canterbury. The partnership aims to strengthen academic and research collaboration, including student and staff mobility.
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Stripping took place at ‘semi-naked dancing' event, six detained, say cops
SHAH ALAM: Elements of stripping were found to have occurred during the controversial eHati Love Intensive event with at least four people involved, say police. Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan confirmed that the incident occurred as part of the programme's 'Queen's Night' section. 'We have arrested six individuals including four women and they have been remanded for three days. Equipment and liquid given as drinks have been seized and they will be checked by the Chemistry Department. 'Up till now there were confirmed instances of 'naked' activities involving at least four people. They were doing so as part of the so called Queen's Night,' he said at a press conference on the matter at the police contingent headquarters here. As of now, no footage or recordings of the event have been found. He added that the event offered two packages with the more expensive one involving the Queen's Night activities. It is believed that this was the first time the Queen's Night event was conducted but investigations are underway to detect if similar activities were conducted in previous events. 'We have recorded statements of about 30 people. We also remind those that attended to give their statements willingly before the police conduct more arrests. 'I can confirm that there were also public servants that attended the event,' he said, adding that they have the full list of participants. He also said that the event was also attended by non-Muslims. 'This programme was not based on Islam but general motivation. There were participants who were non-Muslims,' he said. Previously, the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) said in a statement that it had started investigations over the motivational talk where it was alleged that semi-naked dancing and "holy cleansing baths" were conducted.
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
M'sia poised to be Asean halal hub for NZ products, says Zahid
WELLINGTON: Malaysia is poised to be a halal hub in Asean for products from New Zealand, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The Deputy Prime Minister said this comes after two organisations in New Zealand, which has obtained recognition from the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim), to use Malaysia as a springboard to widen its export market. "I have given them the opportunity to use Malaysia as a hub for the distribution of halal products from New Zealand to Asean nations," he said in a press conference after attending the Malaysia-New Zealand Halal Forum here on Wednesday (July 16). He said that he had also proposed to halal industry players from New Zealand to attend the Malaysia International Halal Showcase 2025 which will be held this coming September in Kuala Lumpur. "An announcement will be made during the event on joint efforts to set up the Asean Halal Council comprising representation from Asean and Asean Plus Plus nations. "We invited the bodies which have obtained Jakim recognition to be part of the council," he added. He said the goal of the council is to standardise halal certification among Asean nations and those in the surrounding region. "The will be brought up as an agenda during the Asean Summit this coming October," he added. Asean Plus Plus refers to a broader regional cooperative framework that includes Asean's ten member states plus China, Japan and South Korea. Meanwhile, Dr Ahmad Zahid also said that there were talks among several countries under Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to reactivate the dormant World Halal Council to included both Muslim and non-Muslim nations involved in halal products. He said this was crucial as the global halal market is expected to grow from the current US$1.3 trillion (RM5.5 trillion) annually to US$3.7 trillion (RM14.3 trillion) in 2030. "The market is expected to grow to US$5 trillion (RM21.2 trillion) by 2050. Malaysia intends to tap 5% of this market," he added. Earlier, during the forum, New Zealand's Biosecurity and Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard said that Malaysia is a significant market for premium halal meat products, with exports of more than NZ$60mil (RM151mil) "Malaysia is facilitating the approval of several New Zealand halal meat premises seeking first-time access to this market, which is crucial to growing exports," he said. Earlier, Ahmad Zahid and Hoggard witnessed the exchange of letters of intent between Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), Malaysia and University of Canterbury (UC). The partnership aims to strengthen academic and research collaboration including student and staff mobility. Key areas of collaboration include chemical engineering, halal food systems and sustainable food production. Meanwhile, at a separate event, Ahmad Zahid and his New Zealand counterpart David Seymour witnessed the signing of the document of collaboration between Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM) and Victoria University of Wellington (VUW). The document was inked by New Zealand's Universities Minister Shane Raymond Reti at a ceremony at VUN. The collaboration paves the way for planning for joint research implementation, lecturer and student mobility programs, curriculum exchange and application-oriented learning, and professional development in education. Ahmad Zahid is on a five-day working visit to New Zealand which started on July 14.
Sinar Daily
11-07-2025
- Sinar Daily
Jakim probes 'misleading' marriage programme amidst nude dance, ritual allegations
The investigation follows public uproar triggered by social media revelations about a programme reportedly organised by a husband-and-wife team. Sirajuddin PUTRAJAYA – The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim), in collaboration with the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais), is conducting a thorough investigation into allegations involving a controversial marriage motivation programme. This programme was said to be misleading and contrary to Islamic principles. Jakim director-general, Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee stated that the investigation aims to confirm the validity of the claims before any appropriate action is taken, in line with current legal provisions. 'Jakim views this matter seriously following public concern over the circulation of information involving the organisation of a questionable marriage motivation event,' he said in a statement on Friday. Sirajuddin reiterated that the government, through Jakim and state religious authorities, remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of Islamic values, particularly in matters involving family harmony, morality and the preservation of religious principles. 'This joint investigation is part of an ongoing effort by Jakim and state authorities to curb deviant practices and the spread of harmful ideologies that contradict Islamic teachings,' he added. The investigation follows public uproar triggered by social media revelations about a programme reportedly organised by a husband-and-wife team. In a viral Facebook post, it was alleged that two women performed a nude dance during the event, which was held at a convention centre in Shah Alam, Selangor. Participants were also allegedly given a mysterious drink that caused sudden emotional shifts. They were also asked to undergo a ritual resembling a 'spiritual cleansing' or symbolic rebirth, practices that appeared similar to rituals from other religions. The incident has drawn strong criticism and concern from members of the public. More Like This
The Sun
30-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Sermon urges loyalty to King for nation's continued progress
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians must remain steadfast in their loyalty to the King, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, guided by the principles of Rukun Negara, to ensure the nation's continued progress and harmony, according to the special Friday sermon in conjunction with the King's official birthday celebration this Monday. The sermon, delivered nationwide during Friday prayers and broadcast live on TV1 today, emphasised that unity, peace, and mutual respect are essential foundations for national prosperity. 'It is our duty to safeguard the peace and unity that have long been established, and to abandon any actions that could disrupt this harmony. 'With the reign of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, may the five principles of Rukun Negara - Belief in God, Loyalty to the King and Country, Supremacy of the Constitution, the Rule of Law, and Courtesy and Morality - remain deeply rooted in the hearts of all Malaysians,' the sermon read. The sermon, titled Dirgahayu Tuanku: Raja dikasihi, Negara Diberkati (Long Live the King: A Beloved Monarch, A Blessed Nation), was prepared by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and delivered by the Grand Imam of Masjid Negara, Ehsan Mohd Hosni. On Malaysia's system of Constitutional Monarchy and Parliamentary Democracy, the sermon praised the structure as one that blends wisdom in governance with tradition, law, and Islamic values - a testament to Malaysia's unique and fortunate national identity. It stressed that Islam holds in high regard leadership that is just, compassionate, and rooted in integrity, especially one that is merciful towards all citizens. In Malaysia's context, the sermon also reminded the public that the King serves not only as the Head of State but also as the Head of Islam for Penang, Melaka, Sabah, Sarawak, and the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan. 'The institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is not merely symbolic but represents a divine trust bestowed by Allah. The King's role aligns with the concept of Ulil Amri - an authority to be obeyed as long as it does not contradict the teachings of Islam,' it added. The sermon also highlighted the Islamic principle of mutual respect and loyalty between rulers and the people, emphasising that this reciprocal relationship is grounded in love, justice, and a shared commitment to Allah. 'This mutual prayerful connection reflects the closeness between the ruler and the people. It mirrors the concept of ukhuwah Islamiah (Islamic brotherhood), which stresses compassion and cooperation in society,' the sermon concluded, describing this bond as a model of ideal leadership and citizenry.
