Wednesday, December 19, 2012

华商与经济转型系列 52:华人清真食品认证困境


企业分享, 财经周刊  2012-12-17
[Source: http://www.nanyang.com/node/498554?tid=687]

严苛的“Syariah”条件是非回教徒不熟悉的,这包括屠宰动物的特定方式。这些都是回教徒惯用的方法,然而非回教徒也许认为这些过程与费用都没有必要。在华族社会里,食物不只是延续人类生命的必需品;它早已融入了华人的生活里,成为生活考究的一部分。

众所皆知,与家人在除夕夜或冬至共餐是华人流转至今的重要传统。华人的聚会,无论大小,都会有食品献上,以致敬意。孔夫子曾曰:食不厌精,脍不厌细,这形容食物要精制细做,这代表着华人从古至今对食品的要求和讲究。

老子则曾曰:治大国若烹小鲜,将食物引用为极为重要的比喻,让人们明白治理国家得恰到好处,不能超越,也不能不到位。当然这也反射了古人早已对食品料理有着一定的认知。

商业景观显著变化
民以食为天的想法造就了许多大马华人的梦,从小贩到制造商,大马的华人食品经营者多不胜数。用过去二十年来说,大马商业的景观有着显著的变化。1999年,马来西亚旅游局开展马来西亚,真正的亚洲活动。至此,这项活动赢得了多个国际奖项,这个宣传口号至今为止,也一直为人所记住。

清真产品认证值得申请?
拥有多元民族的大马,我国饮食文化不只掺杂了马来文化,也拥有华人、印度人、日本、韩国、泰国、越南,甚至斯里兰卡口味的食品。一些大马华人餐厅或出产商认为扩展现有市场是必需的,他们都有意让所有民族尝试他们的产品,然而马来民族向来都是他们不能触及的范围。

我们都能看见,所有民族共餐的地方就属嘛嘛档。也许只是口味的差异,华人并不常在马来档口或餐厅用餐。至于华族的食品则因为含有猪肉或不获准的肉类处理方式,往往犯了回教的禁令要求,造成马来人鲜少到华人餐厅用餐。

这里有两个互相联系的大马华人食品市场与大马经济景观的关键问题值得去思考:华人食品商值得申请清真产品认证吗?回到第一个问题就是依照成本效益分析,他们是否值得那么做了。

大马出口大量Halal原料
“Halal”“Halalan Thoyiban”的简称,它韵意着被回教法规所允许与有益的事物。它说明所有自然事物都是有益(安全,纯净,营养,品质)的,然而“Non-Halal”“Haram”
则代表着危险/无益,也扰人心智的回教徒违禁物品。

回教徒被禁止使用这类违禁品有如,酒,猪肉等等。在大马,“Halal”的食品皆由 Malaysian Standards–MS1500:2009”控制。“Halal”的食品由生产,准备,处理到收藏保鲜都有规定的方式;其它如交通,仓库,品质管理和售出,则有其它规定。

“Halal”市场在大马的发展是随着“Halal Industry Master Plan”进行。这计划分为三段;2006年至2010年为第一阶段;2011年至2015年则为第二(我们如今处在这一阶段);2016年至2020年是第三段。

在这计划里,生产特定加工食品是这计划里其中一个重要的元素,也包含一定的重要性。这些元素有:方便食品,实用食品,民族食品,合乎道德的食品以及美食。在2012121日,《商业时报》报导了关于“Halal” 市场在今年的一月至七月价值12亿,也拥有15间日本企业有意投资在这市场,这价值比预期的更高。

霸市开始销售
去年的出口值是350亿令吉,大马则是出口大量“Halal”食品原料的国家。不只是大马有大多数的回教徒人口,全球大约有18亿回教徒人口。这无疑给了不管是以发展国内或国外市场的大马食品华商,造就了商业机会。

Halal Industry Development CorporationHDC)也报导,在欧盟国家,庞大的霸集市场商特易购Tesco)与家乐福Carefour)也开始将“Halal”食品列入他们的商品部门当中。在大马,我们有19个雇员4000人的“Halal Parks”,共有83间中小型企业和17间跨国公司营运。

这是目前的经济转型计划(ETP)所支持的。在这计划里,政府针对农产品加工方面,计划建立综合性食品园区,这里包括出产多种食品与饮料。这些综合性食品园区(包括HalalPark)是计划内申明的其中一个关键经济领域(NKEA)。

此外,一些被认定为主要带动者的公司则得完成得到产品认证的任务。在这方面,“Halal Park”“Halal”食品标准是其关键经济领域成功的重要元素。

奖励吸引 但条件严苛
在大马“Halal”市场的商家们,都能享受免去期限为十年的100%合格资本支出 Qualifying Capital Expenditure)的税务或为期五年的免税出口销售(Export Sales)。

在运用于开发和生产“Halal”推广的原料方面,厂商也能获得豁免进口税和销售税。除此之外,若厂商有意得到国际品质等级,他们将在此活动消费上享有双重免税。这奖励当然少不了“Halal Park”的运营商!除此之外,“Halal” 认证的一年费用并不高;范围是从小型企业100令吉至跨国企业的700令吉。

调整严格程序棘手
其实,真正吸引商家得到“Halal”认证的是将产品运出国外的出口机会。出口将改善一家公司在市场上的地位,这是众所皆知的。为了应付世界回教国家的需求,得到“Halal”认证的商家都有出口“Halal”食品以及扩张企业的机会。

有那么好的奖励又怎么会没人觊觎呢?大马政府给于商家们的奖励,并不限制于本地商家。因此,外国大型企业也许会到大马来经营这个市场,并且得到政府特许的多项免税。

世上并没有免费的午餐,因此,为了享有奖励,商人们都得付出应有的代价。华商往往会在申请和维持“Halal”认证方面遇见一些问题。严苛的“Syariah”条件更是非回教徒不熟悉的,这包括屠宰动物的特定方式。这些都是回教徒惯用的方法,然而非回教徒也许认为这些过程与费用都没有必要。

就如之前提及的,为了符合“Halal”要求,从原料采购、屠宰、成分检测、烹饪,包装到分销都得细心照料。中小型企业甚至跨国企业都必须成立“Halal”审核委员会,并委任一名回教事务执行,以便处理并确保该公司的运作和产品符合“Halal”认证程序。

申请认证耗时两月
此外,申请“Halal”认证的过程或许需要消耗一些时间。基本上,官方认证过程首先需要一天时间的在线账户验证,5天的文件传递,15天用于文件处理,14天处理费用支付,在收到费用后,有关单位将在30日内审计然后在五日内颁发证书。

正确来说,申请“Halal”认证将花费差不多两个月左右;然而,若稍有差池或任何不符合的地方,这申请过程又将被延长。时间管理也许是个问题,但是想法上的分歧才是一些华商坚决争论“Halal”认证的原因。

例如,一些华商被有关单位工作人员要求将工厂地面改装为绿色,也有一些华商认为有关人员要求他们在出产过程准备的安全装备多得夸张。

大型华资食品商有优势
回教徒在消费和经营中符合宗教要求是必要的。因此,随着回教徒宗教意识和知识的增加,扩大潜在的“Halal”产品市场是自然的现象,这包括“Halal”食品。选择获得“Halal”认证的非回教徒,可能完全取决于成本效益比较。

如果是这样的话,“Halal”认证肯定有益于较大的华人食品生产商,特别是以出口华族食品到回教国家为目的的华商。暂且不说发展至国外,十年的各种免税和奖励已足以深深吸引这些企业家,十年的免税可塑造巨大的财政收益。

然而,经营小型食品小贩如,咖啡店小贩并不会从“Halal”认证得到特别多的好处,加上如果为了得到认证而必须投资更多,就会侵蚀他们的成本了。有着足够的非回教徒客户,一些咖啡店或档口小贩已经非常满意现状。

此外,吸引回教徒客户并非他们的本意。对政府来说,继续发展和支持“Halal”市场在国内的发展是利多于弊的。与此同时,有关单位须给予商家们足够的伸缩空间并继续支持非“Halal”市场。

马来民族、华族、印度族,西方和其他传统食品,是成就马来西亚,真正的亚洲的主要成分之一。

华商清真生意
HDC更强调在本地“Halal”市场(食品或非食品)兴旺的背后,也包含许多华商例如:

高雅国际美容集团Clara International Beauty Group(护肤品)
●AYS Sdn.Bhd.
(冷冻食品)
李锦记(酱汁)
●Sydney Cake House Sdn.Bhd.
(西式糕点)
●BioFact Life Sdn.Bhd.
(草药保健)
●Ecolite Biotech Manufacturing Sdn.Bhd.
(燕窝和药材保健品)
●Jeen huat Foodstuffs Industries Sdn.Bhd.
(食品与饮料)
●Global Abbattoir
MSdn.Bhd.(家禽处理器)

夏伟文硕士 《大马经济网》研究员 拉曼大学高级讲师 陈薛卉 《大马经济网》 研究员 拉曼大学会计系学生 

Friday, May 4, 2012

SUHAKAM & SUARAM Press Statements on Bersih 3.0

Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia / Human Rights Commission of Malaysia's (SUHAKAM) 

Press statement: "FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND THE RIGHT TO A PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY MUST BE PROTECTED AND RESPECTED" 
Dated: 3rd May 2012

Suara Rakyat Malaysia's (SUARAM)

Press statement: "The Malaysian government must investigate police violence at Bersih rally and take major steps to overhaul a policing system that facilitates and perpetrates human rights violations!"
Dated: 30th April 2012 

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Police Brutality during Bersih 3.0


The police head denied it. Najib claimed that the police are being made victims. Yet, there are numerous video clips uploaded on YouTube that show police acted brutally towards Bersih 3.0 participants. Below here are just some random clips. More reports, writings and video clips are available on YouTube, Facebook and blogs. Just google or search them.

Bersih 3.0 - Police Brutality 

Police Brutality @ Bersih 3.0


Al Jazeera crew's camera 'busted by Malaysian police' at rally


BBC News on Bersih 3.0 - Government of Malaysia Covered the News!


Brutality of Malaysian Police, there is no Human Rights in Malaysia!


  
Police Attack Bersih 3.0 Supporters At Leboh Pasar Besar


Latest addition... Bersih 3.0 video - Sogo & Masjid Jamek area - Follow up footages




Not to be missed is an international observers’ interim report on Bersih 3.0 rally

Malaysian EC is backward, opines fact-finding group




Together we can stop this... Let's change for a better future for Malaysia!! Hidup Rakyat!!



Bersih 3.0: The Real Unity and Humanity to Save Malaysia


A small ant is no match for a big elephant. Yet, there is a Chinese proverb saying that plenty of the former can bring down the later. Three people rallies prior to the 12th General Election, namely Reformasi, Bersih and Makkal Sakhti have brought down the mighty Barisan Nasional (BN). Unfortunately, that evil elephant is just down, not out and determined to hold on to power by hook or by crook.

Longevity is not bad as long as the government is clean and the people have their rights as granted under the Constitution of Malaysia. Sadly, this is not the case.

Corruption, misused of power and inefficiency in government have became a norm, yet high profile culprits never been successfully charged. These prompt the people to doubt the independence of police, anti corruption (MACC) and local council authorities. Highest officials from those mentioned authority bodies are appointed through the advice of Prime Minister. Thus, who would those officers serve – the people or the Prime Minister?

Corruption in Malaysia can be dated back to historical Operasi Lalang (literally “Weed Operation”) and the “1998 constitutional crisis”. Years after years nowadays, the Auditor General’s Reports detailing more and more mismanagement of public fund but where is the charges?

Have we forgotten the Lingam case? Will the Scorpene case open a can of worms on Malaysia’s corruption? Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) scandal? How about Zakaria’s and Khir Toyo’s “palace”, corruption cases against Taib Mahmud, the alleged Rosmah’s diamond ring and NFC cow scandal? Big waves unveiling the BN government’s wrong doing being closed case by the authorities without satisfying investigation. Not to be missed are the triple mysterious death of Altantuya Shaariibu, Teoh Beng Hock and Ahmad Sarbaini.

Article 10 of the Constitution of Malaysia guarantees Malaysian citizens the right to freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and freedom of association. However, all these years, Malaysian live like caged birds; being feed just enough to survive but intimidated if they demand further freedom beyond the BN cage.

Every aspect of Malaysian’s life is programmed with propaganda. Through mass media, education and Jawatankuasa Kemajuan dan Keselamatan Kampung system, Malaysian are being brain washed on the goodness of the ruling government in contrast to the dangerous of the rebellious opposition. Racist politics are played to perfection to break-and-rule. In simple, the BN regime does what the British did to us during colonial period.

Most of us may have the ability to meet basic needs for everyday living such as food, shelter, health and protection. Yet, with increasing cost of living, housing price bubble and radioactive threat to health from Lynas operation, can our sustenance be sustainable? What has BN done to ease people burden? Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia and the one-off RM500 allowance are clearly election gimmick. Making things worse, economic crisis seem likely in European region. Malaysia’s external debt is trending upwards to about US$81.5billion in 2010 and more by now.

Fresh graduates are burdened with education (PTPTN) loan. They cannot afford to buy a house. The poorer ones may have a family to support. After graduation, the next plan could be getting married and have their own family. With competitive job market (low salary) and education debt burden, can they have comfortable living?

Thus, what wrong for students to ask for free education and waiver of PTPTN for the poor? Government spent needlessly on National Service program, sponsoring football and Formula One team. Ministry of Tourism even paid millions to set up Facebook page that can be done easily for free. Racist Perkasa and Utusan Malaysia as well as race-based parties of UMNO, MCA and MIC are conflicting images to the “1Malaysia” unity campaign, thus wasting millions spent to promote it. Those amounts of money are better channeled towards free education. 

The Occupy Dataran participants are harmless but concerned citizen fighting for a better future for current and future graduates. The powerful but heartless DBKL and police harming them is a great shame and should be condemned. Hope they and the government realize that the people will not take the risk of suffering from police brutality and other types of intimidation to join Bersih rally if they enjoyed their living and have their rights. These rallies will naturally fail if the government is good and election is fair. Hence, BN can stop them by being a good government, not by unconstitutional forces or unethical threat. If they barred Lynas from operating in this country, why would the people want to have Himpun rally?

From the Buddhism perspective, everything has its cause and effect. Corruption and suppression by the BN government are the causes. The people rallies are only the effect. Islamic teaching also condemns corruption (e.g. Al-Hadid 57: 25 and Al-Baqarah 2: 188). So do other religions or moral teaching.

Therefore, those who have peacefully joined the Bersih 3.0 are the true hero. At Bersih 3.0, participants from all races and even European mixed around in a festive atmosphere. Despite running for their live after tear gas and chemical water were fired harmfully at Bersih 3.0 participants, they keep their humanity value high by helping out each other. For instant, I was being help few times by Malays. They asked for salt for me and help me walk away as I was suddenly very weak. Later on, two very old Malay pakcik gave me salt water to wash face/eye – feeling much better after that. To my surprise, one of them is retired policeman who is now PAS member.


At the second round of police assault, those who are running away still care enough to stop to ask us to go inside. “Masuk, masuk, gas, tembak gas”, they shouted briefly but the appreciation for their concern is huge. We (many people included two reporters) were then at near Sogo on the upper floor of a hotel lobby for shelter. At that time, I thought all is over. Many just loitered around. Some look tired and rested at road side. No provocation from protesters. Before and after the tear gas, police are seen catching and scolding people around there. At there, a Chinese gal (friend of a reporter) took the initiate to find salt, then go floor by floor up the hotel to give to those who inhaled the gas. Children were crying too.

Thus, who is violent? The Bersih 3.0 shows us true unity, friendship and integration. People there do care to help each other in trouble time, which were mostly caused by police’s tear gas/chemical water. We were not only from many races, but different in age, state and background.

Let us show to the evil elephant that millions of ants CAN bring change. Let’s clean (BERSIH) the dirt of corruption. Let’s make it clear that we do NOT want Lynas in Malaysia. Let’s us change (UBAH) for a better future. Together we can save Malaysia!!



Friday, April 27, 2012

Wahai Dataran Merdeka...



Wahai Dataran Merdeka,
Engkau dijajah, engkau disita,
Jangan takut, jangan gentar,
Tua, muda datang BERSIH juga!!

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Bersih/Himpun and the Bird Story


Can Bersih or Himpun save Malaysia?

It is like the "bird in a cage" story... A significant number of Malaysians have used to be the bird in a cage tailor made by BN. Of course they are feed, not many hunger birds here. But no freedom! Every aspect of life, especially through mass media and education (primary until university level) those captive birds are brain washed with pro-BN propaganda. Any angry bird that did not submit are put into dark cage though ISA or whatever new Bill that replaces it. 

More angrier and daring birds that take to the street to protest are branded negatively throughout controlled mass media. Angry birds are threaten in the form of dismissal from their job/termination of their study, possible police brutality, detention - both mentally and physically, both to themselves and their family.

Thus, the critical question is "Malaysians wish to be caged birds in comfort zone or live free with dignity?" The answer will determine the survival of Malaysia. Save Malaysia!!


Tuesday, January 10, 2012

“Political Volcano” in 12th Malaysian General Election: Makkal Sakhti (People Power) Against Communal Politics, “3Cs” and Marginalization of Malaysian Indian



Abstract
Malaysian politic has been overwhelmingly dominated by the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition since 1969. In the 12th Malaysian General Election, the ruling coalition suffered a shocking moral defeat. This paper argue that the 12th Malaysian General Election is metaphorically a political volcano eruption, witnessing the rise of People Power against suppression of dissatisfactions over communal politics, deteriorating social-economic conditions (dubbed the “3Cs” factors) and continues marginalization of Indian community in Malaysia. Aspects of communal politics include (1) the issues of NEP, Ketuanan Melayu, racism and “second-class citizen” treatment to the Malaysian non-bumiputera, and (2) the issues of UMNO-putra politicizing the NEP and Malay poverty. The “3Cs” refers to dissatisfaction over increasing (1) cost of living, (2) crime and (3) corruption, taking the first letter of each to form the acronym. Meanwhile, the revolution by the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) highlighted the marginalization of Indian. Indeed, the Hindraf revolution popularized the Makkal Sakhti that means “People Power” in Tamil.

For full article in Journal of Politics and Law. Vol. 1(3): 84 – 101, see