| Rokiah Mahmud |
RESPONDING to the issue raised by YB Datin Paduka Dayang Hajah Zasia binti Sirin regarding the efforts taken by the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) in providing Halal online apps to aid the public in finding certified Halal restaurants and products with recognised Halal status, YB Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Osman explained that a new application called ‘Halal Management Tracking System’ is currently in the works at the ministry’s Halal Food Control Division.
“Soon when the app is ready it will be promoted to members of the public,” he said. He added that products which have been give Halal certification by the Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB) will be uploaded onto this app, while products that are labelled certified from overseas will also be uploaded after being reviewed.
“This is because we are still studying matters related to advertising regulation as well as intellectual property issues.”
At the moment, the minister said that the information on certain products applying for Halal certification and permits can be obtained in the form of CDs that will be given to the applicants.
Meanwhile, in responding on the issue raised by YB Orang Kaya Maha Bijaya Awang Haji Othman bin Uking regarding the outstanding housing instalments, the minister explained that since 2007 to 2009, MUIB has taken steps in distributing the accumulated balance of tithe (Zakat) collection and has assisted the eligible recipients to make repayment for their outstanding amounts, which include the national housing scheme, the Landless Indigenous Citizens Housing Scheme (STKRJ) and the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Housing Scheme in Kg Bolkiah.
File photo shows YB Datin Paduka Dayang Hajah Zasia binti Sirin speaking at a session during the 12th Legislative Council Meeting. – PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIR
Halal food served at a restaurant
In July 2008, MUIB has requested assistance from the Department of Housing Development, Ministry of Development in providing data of the outstanding amount for the various housing schemes.
From the estimated date, more than $16 million is yet to be paid; of this figure, $7.4 million has been distributed to the eligible recipients to pay for their housing arrears.
In this matter, the minister also urged for those who still have outstanding payments on their house to apply directly to the Department of Housing Development, where it will be later forwarded to MUIB.
For those from the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Housing Scheme in Kg Bolkiah, they may submit their applications through the management and the provided date will be forwarded to MUIB.
The application will be examined, investigated and discussed by the MUIB’s secretariat and will undergo certain processes before approval.
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