M’sia’s ministry mulls guidelines to segregate halal, non-halal trolleys in supermark

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M’sia’s ministry mulls guidelines to segregate halal, non-halal trolleys in supermarkets




KUALA LUMPUR — The Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry (KPDNKK) is considering a proposal to set guidelines under the business licencing requirements for the segregation of trolleys for halal and non-halal items in supermarkets.

Its secretary-general Alias Ahmad said at present, the government only encouraged supermarket operators to segregate the use of trolleys and it was not compulsory, Bernama reported.

“At present it is not mandatory to have segregated trolleys but the ministry encouraged supermarket operators to make it a practice as we believe this self-compliance will open the eyes of others to follow suit.

“But if the self-compliance cannot be implemented, then the government has no other option but to set the guidelines to ensure Muslim consumers are more comfortable and confident to make their purchases,” Bernama quoted him as saying today (Jan 19) after a walkabout at the NSK Supermarket in Kuchai Lama, Kuala Lumpur, which practised the segregation of trolleys.

He said among the possible guidelines are differentiating the trolleys by colour and having separate payment counters for halal and non-halal items.

In another development, Mr Alias said seafood supply was expected to be reduced by 30 per cent during the Chinese New Year celebrations due to the El Nino phenomenon.

However, he said the ministry was working with the various agencies to ensure adequate supply by importing seafood to meet consumers’ demand.

“We have also placed 2,300 enforcement officers to monitor prices and ensure traders comply with the regulations,” he added.

Putrajaya’s plan to segregate trolleys for halal and non-halal food items has the backing of the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association (Fomca) but it had said the government must also look into the practicality of such a proposal.

Its deputy president, Mohd Yusof Abdul Rahman, had said previously that the association agreed with the idea, especially to prevent the mixing of halal and non-halal products, which could lead to cross-contamination.

The issue of halal or permitted by Islamic law could arise if both halal and non-halal items came into contact in trolleys, he had said.

“There is no issue when it comes to dry food items, but it will be if it is fresh. For Muslims, this is a sensitive matter,” he was quoted as saying. Mr Yusof, however, had added that there should be a practical solution.

Muslim Consumers’ Association’s (PPIM) chief Nadzim Johan had also welcomed the plan saying that it would teach Malaysians to respect each other’s differences.

He was reported as saying that the association had received several complaints on the matter.

Both Mr Yusof and Mr Nadzim had made the comments after Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Hamzah Zainuddin was reported as saying that the government was considering a proposal to enforce a law making it compulsory to segregate trolleys in shopping malls.

Mr Hamzah had proposed that a red trolley could be used for non-halal products while those for halal food items could use another colour. THE MALAYSIAN INSIDER


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