Anger over Singapore’s MUIS statement

MUIS reframes from suspending halal meat imports from TFI Abattoir in Australia

With death threats made to the whistle blower via SMS yesterday, the issue of food safety and Halal integrity is concerning after JAKIM Malaysia last week suspended meat imports from the Thomas Foods International Abattoir in Lobethal, South Australia.

Singapore authorities have taken no decisive action. The MUIS statement released yesterday can be found below:

MUIS' RESPONSE TO MALAYSIA’S SUSPENSION OF SLAUGHTERING APPROVAL FOR AN AUSTRALIAN ABATTOIR

It has been brought to Muis’ attention on the joint media statement issued by Malaysia’s Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and Veterinary Services Department (JPV) on 14 May 2022 regarding the suspension of the slaughtering approval for an Australian abattoir with immediate effect until a thorough investigation is done with regards to allegations of serious non-compliances.

We note that the abattoir concerned, Thomas Foods International Lobethal, is accredited by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) to export meat to Singapore. Based on SFA’s checks, imports from the establishment had met food safety requirements. Slaughtered and/or processed meat in this abattoir is certified halal by the Supreme Islamic Council of Halal Meat in Australia Inc (SICHMA).

Muis is presently working with SFA to ascertain relevant information on the abattoir from the Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE).

SICHMA is listed as one of the Muis-recognised Foreign Halal Certification Bodies (FHCB) under the previous recognition framework and has submitted a fresh application for recognition under the enhanced Muis FHCB framework which was introduced recently. Muis’ decision on the renewal of SICHMA’s recognition application is still pending. If the outcome of the investigations establish that there are serious lapses by SICHMA, Muis may decide not to renew SICHMA’s application to be a Muis-recognised FHCB.

Muis would like to assure the community that it is fully committed to ensuring requirements for the dietary needs of the local Muslim community continue to be met.

We will continue to maintain public confidence in the imported halal meat or products used by our certified food establishments and manufacturers in Singapore as well as for the slaughtered meat at the upcoming Korban that will be conducted in Australia and meat flown to Singapore.

Muis would also like to urge the community not to speculate or spread unverified information regarding the matter while the investigations are ongoing.

With strong evidence already presented MUIS has decided not to advise Singapore’s Muslims to refrain from consuming Australian meat from TFI. MUIS claim they are still investigating, and have not suspended TFI of their foreign Halal certifying body the Supreme Islamic Council of Halal Meat in Australia (SICHMA).

End of statement

A sample of some of the evidence showing conditions of slaughter at the TFI Lobethal plant.

The Malaysian Negeri Sembilan Mufti over the last weekend quoted a Hadith which stated “In Islam, a hadith states that when we are in doubt (about the source of the food), we cannot eat the food.”

In addition, anger has been raised where MUIS has requested “the community not to speculate or spread unverified information regarding the matter while the investigations are ongoing.”

Many, now believe that the long inquiry MUIS carried out concerning corruption within foreign certifying bodies was a total sham. This is especially the case where the report was not released to the public.

Many community sentiments are best summed up by this abridged statement made by social activist Mohamed Jufrie Bin Mahmood on his Facebook page.

To say that we are appalled/disgusted with MUIS' response is an understatement. It appears that it is pushing the buck to the SFA although halal is MUIS' responsibility.

1. How is MUIS' going to conduct its investigations? Isn't it more speedy and productive to work with the Malaysian authorities which have started their own investigations hand in hand with the Australian Dept of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE)? Why duplicate the work?

2. Islam teaches us to avoid eating food if its halal status is in doubt.

3. There is now much doubt on meat supplied by TFI which is certified halal by SICHMA.

4.Why leave it to the individual to make a choice when MUIS has the authority and in the position to take the lead like the Malaysian authorities to suspend the accreditation of SICHMA with immediate effect?

5. Why is MUIS saying that it "may" not renew SICHMA's accreditation if there are serious lapses by them? This is not the first time that SICHMA has been called out for violating the halal SOP. 5. Instead of letting Muslim consumers eat food, the halal status of which is in doubt, isn’t it more rational to suspend SICHMA's accreditation with immediate effect?

6. The latest violation by SICHMA is not only about halal. The DAWE has discovered that the violation is also a health issue because meat soaked in blood for a long period is also found to be contaminated with bacteria.

MUIS SHOULD IMMEDIATELY FOLLOW THE MALAYSIAN AUTHORITIES ' lead and suspend the import of meat certified halal by SICHMA.

Mohamed Jufrie Bin Mahmood: Called in by police a number of times

The question that must once more be asked about MUIS, is whose interests are they acting for?

MUIS must apologize to Singapore’s Muslims.

Is there any integrity in this label?

MUIS president Mohamed Sa’at Abdul Rahman was contacted numerous times, but has not responded.

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