LETTER | Include environmental-friendly criteria in halal certification

LETTER | The Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (Abim) together with international NGO coalitions are always mindful of the ongoing climate crisis and problems of environmental degradation around the world. This situation requires concrete actions by all parties that take the initiative to care for the environment.

Among the initiatives that Abim is involved in at the grassroots level using the Malaysian Interfaith Climate Change Network (MICCN) platform is the launching of the "Destroying the Earth is Against My Religion" campaign.

This campaign aims to inculcate the importance of environmental care among religious communities. As part of this campaign, Abim calls upon the authorities in Malaysia such as the religious department and other accredited international bodies to include environmental-friendly criteria as prerequisites for halal certification.

This action expands the definition of 'halal and good', also known as 'halalan toyyiban' by encouraging the sensitivity of the public towards the importance of environmentally sustainable practices. 

This initiative can guarantee environmentally friendly food sources that are halal and good, where the earth and its produce can be cared for and guarded against irresponsible activities. 

This will also be a starting point to educate the community and Muslims, in particular, to take climate change and environmental protection seriously, especially with regards to consumption patterns.

This proposal is in line with the 17th principle of the UN Sustainable Development Goals to encourage the development of industries that support sustainable environmental practices.

Abim is optimistic that Malaysia, as an international halal hub, can be a pioneer in bringing about better global halal standards in the spirit of better environmental protection. 

Abim strongly believes that this initiative is a key agenda item in fulfilling our responsibilities as stewards and caliphs on the earth, who are responsible for caring for the world in an inclusive way for the good of all humanity.

MUHAMMAD FAISAL ABDUL AZIZ is the coordinator of the Malaysian Interfaith Climate Change Network (MICC) and president of the Muslim Youth Movement Malaysia (Abim).

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