Perception about halal issues: case study on Bachelor Administrative Science and Policy Studies students of UiTM Sarawak / Mohd Ezzdwan Yusuf & Muhammad Syafiq Saifurizal

Halal is a word originated from Arabic language which mean ‘permissible’ or ‘lawful’ as approved in Islam. Malaysia’s Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM) stated that Halal food are the food that free from any unlawful or contaminated element and not contained any part from animal which been forbidden is Islam. Muslim in Malaysia should understand the principle of Islamic Law which highlighted that the food they consume not only has to be Halal but also ‘Toyyiban’ which is wholesome. Here wholesome mean that the food they consume should be healthy, nutritious, safe and quality. In Holy Quran, God command Muslims and all mankind to eat Halal thing ‘o mankind! Eat of that which is lawful and wholesome and follow not the footsteps of the devil. Lo! He is an avowed enemy of you’. The opposite of halal is haram or non-halal which means forbidden and prohibited. (JAKIM, 2005). Halal concept emphasizes on the safety, hygiene and wholesomeness of food. It provides an excellent platform for healthy eating and the consideration of the place and process of the animal being slaughtered and most importantly, the condition of these animals would not endanger the health of diners, are a prime focus of what Halal is all about (Golnaz R, et al, 2010). Muslim has always been associated with Islam and Islam is directly link to Halalan and Toyyiban (good quality). For Muslims, it is their religious obligation to consume Halal food. The question of understanding among Muslim about Halal food is posed because food market in Malaysia is managed by all ethnic groups and the