Singapore, Brunei sign agreement to recognise each other's halal certificates

Singapore and Brunei on Wednesday (Oct 14) signed a memorandum of understanding to formalise the mutual recognition of halal certificates and marks between the two countries.The agreement was signed by the respective heads of the Islamic religious councils of Singapore and Brunei — MUIS chief executive Kadir Maideen and Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB) acting secretary Pengiran Ahmad Faris Ramadhani, and witnessed by Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Zaqy Mohamad and his Bruneian counterpart, Minister of Religious Affairs Mohd Tashim bin Hassan.The visit marked Zaqy's first official trip to Brunei since assuming the role in July. In a media statement after the signing, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) said the mutual recognition of halal certificates and marks was a significant milestone in bilateral halal cooperation."The agreement will facilitate halal trade and strengthen consumer confidence in halal-certified products between Singapore and Brunei," MUIS stated.