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KUALA LUMPUR - The development of halal vaccines and medicines is achievable and will benefit the economy.
Islamic Medical Association of Malaysia (Imam) president Prof Datuk Dr Abd Rahim Mohamad yesterday said Malaysia possessed the expertise to become a leader in the production of halal medicinal products.
He said there was an increase in the production of halal vaccines and medicines globally. A halal-compliant factory would be able to get halal certification for its products, he added.
"A halal-compliant factory will abide strictly by the conditions of the Halal Certification Authority. It will not produce non-halal vaccines. This is an advantage as the certification process will not issue halal certificates if production is also involved in shubahah (a production line that also produces non-halal products)."
"Imam believes it is a matter of commitment. Our members and Muslim medical practitioners will give their support as their conscience will be clear by treating patients with halal products."
Citing the country's success in becoming a hub for halal food production, Dr Rahim said a halal-certified medicinal industry would boost Malaysia's economy.
Dr Rahim was commenting on a proposal made by Terengganu National Fatwa Council member Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri that Malaysia could become a leader in the production of halal vaccines and medicines at the Islamic Medicine and Medical Fiqh Convention 2013 in Kepala Batas, Penang, last week.