Pemikir to create halal supply chain

Pertubuhan Pemikir Agenda Watan Malaysia (Pemikir) will create a halal supply chain as an alternative for consumers seeking goods at lower prices.

Its Supreme Council Member Datuk Dr Affifudin Omar said the move is in respect of the recent lament by consumers over the high prices of goods, despite the decline in oil prices.

He added that Pemikir has decided to establish the physical supply chain along the Plus Highway and later, the East Coast Highway.

"We are in the process of completing the paperwork related to the project details. Once done, we will present it to institutions like banks and government regulatory bodies and invite the participation of non-governmental organisations.

"We hope the government will assist us in this venture, but we will start with private funding," he told Bernama.

Affifudin said the supply chain will not be restricted to Muslims but also open to non-Muslims.

"We welcome all those wanting to benefit from Islamic trading ethics. Not only Islam, but other religions too, should be against the greedy attitude of those in business," he added.

He expressed the hope that state governments will provide locations for halal depots to be established.

"To date, only the Perak and Johor state governments have shown an interest in the venture. The two states will get the ball rolling for the halal depots," he said.

Affifudin noted that the idea of having a halal supply chain could help increase Bumiputera trading participation by between 30 to 40 per cent.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has said that he will hold a meeting with representatives from the supply chain and various agencies soon to tackle the issue of high prices.

The meeting is to get the real picture from manufacturers and suppliers and an explanation as to why they cannot reduce prices.

Muhyiddin, who is also the chairman of the Special Committee to Tackle the Rising Cost of Living said the issue affects all Malaysians.