SIBU: The Muslim population in the state can rest assured that the state’s 22 chicken slaughterhouses, issued halal permits by Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (JAIS), complied with the Islamic ‘hukum syarak’.

Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s office (Islamic Affairs) Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman said he was happy to note that the slaughterhouses, though mostly run by the non-Muslims, are conducting their business according to Islamic guidelines.

He told reporters this when met yesterday on the findings of ‘Operasi Bersepadu Halal’ conducted at three chicken slaughterhouses here at 1am on Monday by the Enforcement Department of JAIS.

JAIS director Datu Misnu Taha accompanied Daud during the spot checks.

“We are happy to note that all the slaughterhouses we have checked including in Sibu, Miri, Bintulu, Kuching and Limbang took care of our halal requirements and needs,” he said.

He revealed that non-Muslim operators employed slaughterers who were mainly Muslim Indonesians trained by JAIS.

“This is important to boost confidence among buyers, particularly Muslims,” he said, adding that the Enforcement Unit of JAIS would monitor the slaughterhouses from time to time to ensure they don’t flout conditions in the halal permit.

Those found not complying could be fined up to RM5,000 and sentenced to six years’ jail.

Daud said JAIS would continue to stress the importance of cleanliness of slaughterhouses issued halal certificates.

He said slaughterhouses here were found to comply with the halal rules and procedures during the spot check, which was unannounced.

It was reported that JAIS had so far issued 169 halal certificates to various premises in the state including restaurants and hotels.

Currently 192 applications for halal certificates were received.

Meanwhile with Ramadan just around the corner, Daud reminded Muslims to respect the fasting month.

“Muslims not fasting should not eat in public places,” he said.