SETTING up a shariah compliance commission is a waste of taxpayer money, said Rafidah Aziz.

The former international trade and industry minister was commenting on Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s statement that a shariah compliance commission can help regulate the halal industry in the country.

“There is this continuous mushrooming of committees and task forces, but no report has been presented or actual action taken,” she said in a statement today.

“Public funds are aimlessly spent when they can be better channelled to relevant groups in society and various economic sectors.”

Ismail Sabri said the current regulatory proposal is limited to the Islamic financial sector via Bank Negara Malaysia and the Securities Commission, while the halal industry is regulated by the Islamic Development Department.

The halal economy is seen to be covering and developing more around the financial and food sectors, thus justifying the need to focus and redress its aspects, he added.

Rafidah said the Halal Development Corporation, established in 2006, is already regulating and promoting the industry.

She said the government lacks national compass in leading the nation, adding that more coordination and consideration are needed before it comes with new entities or policies. – May 30, 2022.