3MT1074: An Integrated Framework: Government Agencies Role In Enforcing Halal Compliance And Safeguarding Consumer Safety In Brunei Darussalam’s Halal Food Industry

Siti Majidah Rahim Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), Brunei Darussalam

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Despite the global growth in demand for halal food, Brunei Darussalam has faced numerous challenges in maintaining the integrity of its halal food supply chain. Among these problems are the risks of food contamination and adulteration, which jeopardise customer trust and safety. Such incidents highlight the crucial need for robust regulatory systems to protect the integrity of the halal status. Hence, the study aims to examine and compare different approaches to identify the strengths, challenges, and best practices that contribute to Brunei's success in maintaining high standards of halal compliance and food safety. The study used a mixed-methods approach, integrating both quantitative and qualitative procedures. A comprehensive study on the roles, responsibilities, and challenges faced by the government in the halal food industry is obtained through in-depth interviews with officials from government agencies. Self-administered questionnaires were also sent to halal certificate holders to gain insight into their perceptions of the effectiveness of the agencies in ensuring halal compliance and safeguarding food safety in Brunei Darussalam’s food industry. Thematic analysis was employed to examine qualitative data, enabling the exploration of agency practices and generating valuable insights. On the other hand, statistical analysis is typically employed for quantitative data, facilitating the identification of patterns and correlations. The findings demonstrate a high degree of confidence in the roles and responsibilities of HFCD and BDFA, with respondents expressing favourable perspectives on their efficacy. However, the study highlights the need for an integrated framework that will enhance rules and improve the effectiveness of regulatory agencies.