Malaysian Standard MS Research Articles

The Islamic Principles of Legal Status Criteria according to the Qurʾan and Hadith in Fostering Ḥalāl Vaccine Certification in Malaysia

Abstract In Malaysia, there is a need to provide ḥalāl certification for vaccine products. In 2019, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), together with other relevant government agencies and the pharmaceutical industry, improved and expanded the scope and standards of Malaysian Standard MS 2424 Halal Pharmaceuticals-General Requirements, which serves as a general reference for ḥalāl pharmaceutical and vaccine products. It is a step in the right direction. However, ḥalāl certification for vaccine products cannot be implemented due to the lack of a clear legal framework based on Islamic principles derived from Qurʾan, Hadith, and other related legal sources. Furthermore, before this, the status of vaccine products was established through fatwas issued by the authority and not through the ḥalāl certification process. This is because, if ḥalāl certification is given to vaccine products, there may be public rejection of vaccine products that do not have ḥalāl certification, and this could occur during a public health emergency. The objective of this study was to analyse the Islamic principles in determining the ḥalāl vaccine certification. To achieve this objective, qualitative approaches have been used in this research. Data were collected through document analysis and semi-structured interviews with individuals directly involved in the ḥalāl vaccines sector in Malaysia. The findings of this study show that, in implementing ḥalāl vaccine certification, there are several Islamic principles based on Qurʾan and Hadith that can be used in the certification of ḥalāl vaccine products. These include the Principle of Ḥalāl Substances, Ḍarūrah, Maṣlaḥah, Iḥtiyāṭ, Istiḥālah Tāmmah, Istiḥlāk and Fatwā.

Sustainability Assessment of Mosque: A Case Study of Design Proposal in Bandar Bertam Jaya, Penang

Mosque is a significant building typology for Muslims. Careful consideration on location and capacity should be practiced to increasing accessibility and promote comfort to worshippers. Due to high-density residential development, location of the nearest mosque and sense of unity among Muslims in the area, a local community was proposing a new mosque in Bandar Bertam Jaya, Penang to Majlis Agama Islam Negeri Pulau Pinang. A self-sustained mosque with phased development was proposed by Arkitek ICB Sdn. Bhd. With VELUX Daylighting Simulation and basic ventilation principle, the aim of the research is to study the sustainability of the design comprising daylighting and ventilation aspects respectively and how the proposal can give an impact to energy and resource management. The findings including Average Daylight Factor (ADF), opening sizes, wind speed and direction will also be reflected to Malaysian Standard MS 1525 and MS 2680 to value the sustainability aspect performed by the mosque. The findings of the research can be a reference to the architecture firm and the local community on the performance and sustainability of the proposal.

Evaluation on the quality of Malaysian refined palm stearin

The quality of Malaysian palm stearin was monitored through a twelve-month survey in 2018, by participation of palm oil refineries and oleochemical plants from Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak. Quality parameters requirement as listed in the Palm Oil Refinery Association of Malaysia (PORAM) specification such as moisture, impurities, free fatty acids, slip melting point, peroxide value and iodine value were determined. Other identity characteristics analyses as detailed in the palm stearin specification namely Malaysian Standard MS 815:2007 and Codex Alimentarius CXS 210-1999 documents were also analyzed, which were apparent density, refractive index, fatty acids composition, triacylglycerols, etc. Results obtained from this survey indicated that the quality of Malaysian palm stearin complied with the requirements specified in MS 815:2007 and Codex CXS 210-1999 documents. The iodine value determined was ranged from 28 g I2/100 g oil to 48 g I2/100 g oil, with 60.9% of the palm stearin tested were in the range of 30 g I2/100 g oil to 35 g I2/100 g oil. Meanwhile, some deviations are found in the average of parameter such as refractive index, apparent density, slip melting point, oleic and palmitic acids of the palm stearin produced. These deviations could be due to the improvement in current fractionation technologies causing less olein entrainment in stearin products, which resulted of harder stearin fraction in the sample itself, giving a more representative reading of the parameters.

HALAL CERTIFICATION PROCEDURE IN MALAYSIA AND INDONESIA

Pharmaceutical products deals with different component of materials or substances and its whole process are more critical than food products. Malaysia has launched and implemented the Malaysian Standard MS 2424:2012 Halal Pharmaceuticals-General Guidelines since 2012 on halal pharmaceuticals and to the pharmaceutical manufacturers. The government of Indonesia also making halal labelling on all products mandatory in Indonesia by 2019. This momentum of halal certification for pharmaceutical products by both countries need to be enhance by improving the initiatives the implementation of standard and guidelines. The objectives of the study are to explain the concept of halal pharmaceuticals based on halal certification procedure in Malaysia and Indonesia, to examining the evidence from the Holy Al-Quran, as-Sunnah and dalil due to the determination of halal pharmaceuticals products, to analyse general principles based on Islamic law to the determination of halal pharmaceutical products and to identify a new method based on Islamic principles in determining the halal pharmaceutical products. In general, the qualitative method is used in this study, the data collection methods are through document analysis. The findings of this study. First, in understanding the concept of halal pharmaceuticals in Malaysia and Indonesia it is basically not only based on Islamic law alone, but also subject to the criteria and regulations enforced in both countries. Second, the Islamic principle of halal and haram, darurah and fatwa is a basis or general Islamic principle applicable to determine halal pharmaceuticals products. Third, the comprehensive method or criteria for determination of halal pharmaceutical products is encompassing the principle of pharmaceuticals derived from halal substances, materials, the principle of Maslahah, the principle of Ihtiyathand the principle of Istihalah Tammah.

Food Waste Quantification and Characterization as a Measure towards Effective Food Waste Management in University

Globally, one-third of the food produced is wasted or underutilized which accounted for about 1.3 billion tonnes of food. If the food waste (FW) is disposed of in the landfill, it decomposes under the anaerobic condition that releases methane gas, a harmful greenhouse gas. FW is also referring as biodegradable materials where it has a higher moisture content that easily breakdown by the microbe and could produce odor problems. Thus, a study on FW generation rate and its characteristics were carried out. Physical and chemical characteristics of the FW which include the density, food waste composition, the generation rate, pH, moisture content, ash content, C/N ratio and the calorific value were determined based on the Malaysian Standard MS 2505:2012. Based on the field and laboratory work analysis, it was observed that the generation rate for the café A and B was between 0.04 kg/cap/day to 0.112 kg/cap/day and 0.01 kg/cap/day to 0.119 kg/cap/day. Meanwhile, the density of the FW was in the range between 0.035 kg/m3 to 0.077 kg/m3. Based on the standard method recommendation, 5 compositions were tabulated which include FW, plastic film, plastic rigid, paper and others (aluminum, steel and etc. ). Food waste demarcated was further divided into five categories such as rice, noodles, vegetable, shells and meat & bones. Rice and noodles produced the largest amount which was 52.50% and 55.52%. Moisture content and an ash content of the FW was recorded at 71.52% and 25.31% where it was slightly acidic (6.16) in nature. The calorific value for wet and dried FW was 4539.914 kcal/kg and 2091.3 kcal/kg. Based on the result obtained, the suitable method to treat food waste from the cafeteria was proposed.

Improving Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) and Comfortability of Lecture Rooms: Case Study – UniCITI Alam Campus, Padang Besar, Malaysia

UniCITI Alam is a mixed development of commercial buildings and medium rise apartments. The whole development was designed based on the integration of student residential community with the combined commercial centre and temporary campus. The lecture rooms are located at the second floor of the triple-storey shop house. To improve the indoor environmental quality and comfortability of the teaching and learning activities, physical measurements of the indoor environment parameters (air temperature, relative humidity and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration) and light intensity are the main methods applied in the presented case study. Data collected will be compared with Malaysian Standard MS 1525: 2007 (Code of Practice on Energy Efficiency and Use of Renewable for Non Residential Building) and DOSH. The finding will be used for improving the environmental quality of the lecture rooms and enhancing the ecology circle.

Compliance of Water Closet Facilities in Mosques with Malaysian Standards, Guideline and Legislation

A mosque often has a main prayer hall and other ancillary spaces. These spaces include water closets that provide general facilities, such as wash-hand basins, ablution areas, shower areas and water cubicles (including those for the disabled). The specifications for the design of these ancillary components are defined in various Malaysian standards and guidelines relevant to water closet design. They are namely, Malaysian Standard MS 2577: 2014 (Architecture and Asset Management of Masjid – Code of Practice), Malaysian Standard MS 2015: Part 1: 2006 (Public Toilet – Part 1: Minimum Design Criteria), Malaysian Standard MS 1184: 2014 (Universal Design and Accessibility in the Built Environment – Code of Practice, Second Revision ), JKR 1999 (Guidelines on Buildings Requirements for Disabled Persons) and UBBL: 1984 (Unit Building By-Laws – Part III: Space, Light and Ventilation). Access audit was conducted in this study to investigate the compliance of mosque water closets with these national standards and guidelines and to obtain insights into the actual situation. A five-point rating scale was developed for the access audit (1=not provided; 2=provided but below the recommendation; 3=provided and exactly as the recommendation; 4=provided but above the recommendation; 5=provided but not in the recommendation). The scores of every criterion were computed to determine the compliance percentage. The study was conducted in five mosques to assess the on-site and as-built compliance of their water closets. The results showed that compliance percentages of the studied mosques ranged from only 43% to 64%, which indicated that the provisions of water closet facilities were not fully in compliance with the stipulated national standard, guidelines and legislation due to the lack of awareness and less prioritization on the requirements for water closet facilities.

Characterization of edible bird's nest of different production, species and geographical origins using nutritional composition, physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities

Edible bird's nest (EBN) is a precious food made from the solidified saliva of swiftlets. EBN from three types of origin, namely production, swiftlet species and geographical were characterised based on its nutritional composition, physicochemical properties and antioxidant properties. Proximate composition, total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activities were determined following official methods, while mineral and heavy metal contents were obtained by respective atomic adsorption spectrometry (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Amino acids profile and sialic acid were determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Calcium and sodium were the major elements in EBN samples at averages of 17,267 mg/kg and 13,681 mg/kg, respectively. Despite protein contents were not significantly different; interestingly the total amino acids in A. fuciphagus EBN, 64.57 g/100 g was found to be 23% higher than in A. maximus EBN. EBN from house, A. fuciphagus and Peninsular Malaysia had greater antioxidant activities, 2.33–3.49 mg AAE/g and higher sialic acid, 13.57 g/100 g while those from cave, A. maximus and East Malaysia contained more minerals like calcium and magnesium. The 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of house, A. fuciphagus and Peninsular Malaysia EBNs were approximately 2 times greater than the others. All samples were complied with the Malaysian Standard MS 2334:2011, except for mercury and nitrite. The overall findings suggest that the quality of EBN was varied following the production, species and geographical origins.

Study on Waste Composition at Taman Pura Kencana, Batu Pahat

Municipal solid waste management is a major challenge due to the increase in population and the development of a country. The problems also arise when the lifespan of the landfills available are shorten than estimated. The aim of this study is to determine waste composition at Taman Pura Kencana. The waste collection was carried out for 50 houses on a daily basis. The collection and sorting out method was conducted based on Malaysian Standard MS 2505:2012 and the data collected is recorded. The result showed the moisture content was approximately ranging between 25% – 30%. The density for each waste has been calculated and the result was recorded accordingly. The highest density is metal followed by organic waste, glass, napkins, household hazardous waste, textiles, paper, plastic rigid, plastic film, rubber and tetrapek. The waste collected also were categorized and consisted of food waste/organic (43.75%), paper (17.97%), plastics rigid (13.58%), plastic film (10.62%), napkins (4.43%), glass (3.10%), household hazardous waste (1.68%), metal (1.67%), tetrapek (1.34%) , rubber (0.93%), and textiles (0.92%). Results from the analysis illustrated that waste generation in Taman Pura Kencana may influenced by sudden changes in lifestyles, incomes, household size and also increase of population.

Solid Waste Composition Study at Taman Universiti, Parit Raja, Batu Pahat

Solid waste management is recognised as one of the most challenging issues confronted by both the developed and developing countries. The problems rise due to growing population in current years which results in increased generation of waste with various compositions. The aim of this study was to determine the waste compositions at Taman Universiti. Taman Universiti is a mix residential and commercial area which a preferred residential location amongst students and lecturers due to its proximate location to UTHM main campus. The waste collection was carried out for 50 houses on a daily basis. The collection and sorting out method was conducted according to Malaysian Standard MS 2505:2012 and the data was collected and recorded The result showed that the average generation rate of household waste at Taman Universiti was 0.16kg/person/day and the moisture content was approximately ranging from 61%-68%. Household wastes collected were categorized and it consisted of food and organic, paper, rigid plastics, plastics film, baby diapers, glass, tetra pak, household hazardous waste, metal, rubber, textiles, garden waste and leather. The proportion of each wastes were approximately 64.67%, 9.36%, 9.22%, 5.33%, 3.51%, 2.53%, 1.37%, 1.05%, 0.84%, 0.85%, 0.80%, 0.27%, and 0.23%, respectively. Results from the analyses indicated that the food and organic waste are the major composition of household waste at Taman Universiti followed by the paper, rigid plastics, and plastic film. Meanwhile, the proportion of baby diapers, glass, tetra pak, household hazardous waste, metal, rubber, textiles, and garden decreasing accordingly. In addition, leather was recognized as the least category that contributed to the household waste.

PELAKSANAAN MALAYSIAN STANDARD MS 2424:2012 HALAL PHARMACEUTICALS-GENERAL GUIDELINES

Many changes and developments have occurred in the pharmaceutical field in Malaysia. Halal pharmaceuticals has changed the production of pharmaceutical products. The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) together with other government agencies and pharmaceutical industry have developed a new standard known as Malaysian Standard MS 2424:2012 Halal Pharmaceuticals-General Guidelines, which serves as a guideline for the halal pharmaceuticals industry. It is a positive development because currently we are dependent on imported pharmaceutical products of which their halal status is unknown. Although this effort has been successful in creating a system of certification for halal pharmaceutical products, however, the actual implementation of such standard by the halal certification bodies Malaysia (JAKIM) and the industry must be examined as it is a new standard. Therefore, a study on “The Implementation of Malaysian Standard MS 2424:2014 Halal Pharmaceuticals-General Guidelines and its impact on Malaysia’s Halal Certification” is very a significant field to study especially to see if it is carried out in accordance with the requirement and development of halal pharmaceutical industry in Malaysia. The objective of this study is to analyse the standard’s significance, provisions, applications and impacts. To achieve these objectives, the data were collected by way of documentation review and structured interviews which are conducted from relevant respondents who are directly involved in halal pharmaceuticals in Malaysia. The qualitativedescriptive, deductive and inductive approach has been used to analyze secondary and primary data. The findings of this study showed that JAKIM and the pharmaceutical industry are capable to implement the Malaysian Standard MS 2424 based on halal certification requirements. The study also found the implementation of the relevant standard on halal have been advantageous both to JAKIM and the pharmaceutical industry. However in implementing the standards, there are some obstacles and challenges that must be tackled either by the JAKIM or the pharmaceutical industry. At the end of the study, a number of recommendations have been provided to strengthen and facilitate the certification process of halal pharmaceutical products.

Application of Halalan Tayyiban in the Standard Reference for Determining Malaysian Halal Food

The increase number of cases on the misuse of halal logo and questionable status of halal food has raised manyconcerns among the Muslim consumers regarding the status of halal food in Malaysia. The various reports onthe issues of fraud in halal food also indicate that there are weaknesses in the procedure of determining halalfood. In this case, an investigation on the procedures and standard reference used by the Department of IslamicDevelopment Malaysia (JAKIM) to determine halal food in Malaysia needs to be conducted in order to gain theconsumer’s trust and confidence on JAKIM’s logo. This study advocates that the concept of halalan tayyibanshould be used as the framework to determine halal products as it considers both the physical and spiritualbenefits of the food to mankind. So far, it has not been proven that the standard references used by JAKIM areconsistent with this concept. Specifically, this study aimed to investigate the application of halalan tayyiban inthe standards and procedures used by JAKIM to determine halal food in Malaysia. For this purpose, aframework for determining halal food based on the concept of halalan tayyiban has been developed. Four mainstandard references used by JAKIM, namely the Malaysian Standard MS 1500, MS 1480, MS 1514, Halal FoodManual Procedures, Food Acts 1983 and Food Regulations 1985 were then analysed based on the developedframework. Additionallly, semi-structured interviews were conducted with selected key personnel from JAKIMto verify the application of halalan tayyiban in the procedure of issuing halal food certification. This studyrevealed that the standard references used by JAKIM were consistent with the concept of halalan tayyiban. Thepractice taken by JAKIM’s personnel to issue the halal food certification also conformed to the concept ofhalalan tayyiban. It can be concluded that JAKIM has applied the concept of halalan tayyiban in determininghalal food in Malaysia. These findings help to improve the consumers’ confidence on the food determined ashalal by JAKIM. They also contribute to development of the well-being and sustainability of a community,especially the Muslim community.

Awareness and Perception of Muslim Consumers on Halal Cosmetics and Personal Care Products

Muslim populations increasing throughout the world, the awareness on consuming Halal also goes in the same parallel trend. Halal now extends to other areas other than food, such as cosmetics, personal care products, toiletries, fragrance, and skincare products. Malaysia has developed Malaysian Standard MS 2200: Part 1: 2008 as guidelines for Halal cosmetics and personal care industry. Thus, this research paper aims to identify the factors that influence the awareness and perception of Muslim consumers on Halal cosmetics and personal care products. The research also aims to confirm whether the identified variables are significant to the awareness and perception of Muslim consumers on Halal cosmetics and personal care products. The sample of the research consisted of 236 government servants in the state of Selangor. The data are collected through questionnaire and analysed using descriptive analysis and inferential analysis such as correlation and multiple regression analysis. The result of the study revealed that the three factors; Advertising (X1), Knowledge (X2) and Attitude (X3) which all are significant.

EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF FLEXURAL CAPACITY OF FULL SCALE PRECAST CONCRETE SHEETPILE

A flexural capacity test is presented of a long precast concrete sheetpile system, intended as a protection wall for a water storage canal bank in soft-ground conditions, for a nursing college in Penang, Malaysia. The precast concrete sheetpile with a length of 7 m and a maximum exposed corrugated-section height of 1.8 m, was designed at Ultimate Limit State (ULS) bending moment of 175 kNm. A total of 2 specimens of precast concrete sheetpiles were tested in the Heavy Structure Laboratory at School of Civil Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia. The test method specified in Malaysian Standard MS 1314 was adopted. The results showed that the capacity of Specimens 1 and 2 were respectively 1.49 and 1.48 times higher than the designed capacity at ULS. The test set-up, to reflect the practical behavior of precast concrete sheetpile, and the test procedures are also described.

Bamboo and wood fibre cement composites for sustainable infrastructure regeneration

This paper describes the development of eco-friendly bamboo and wood fibre cement composites from agriculture wastes for applications in the housing and building industries, and for sustainable infrastructure regeneration. Bamboo flakes and fibres from oil palm tree fronds were produced and tested for their sugar content and effect on the setting and strength development of the portland cement matrix. To counteract the adverse effects on cement hydration, chemical accelerators, cement replacement materials or a combination of both were used in the manufacture of the composite boards. With the bamboo, the composition of the particleboard was optimized in terms of bamboo–cement ratio and the type and amount of chemical admixture to produce a composite with satisfactory strength and dimensional stability. For the production of wood fibre cement composites, cement replacement materials such as fly ash, rice husk ash and latex were used in conjunction with chemical admixtures to counteract the adverse effect on the hydration characteristics of the cement matrix. Tests were then carried out to optimize the amount and type of cement replacement material and chemical admixtures to produce boards with adequate strength and dimensional stability. All the strength and dimensional stability tests reported in the paper were carried out according to Malaysian Standard MS 934. The paper emphasizes the need for holistic design combining chemical admixtures, cement replacement materials and modern production technology to produce a wide range of cement-bonded composite boards, which will satisfy international standards and can be widely used for infrastructure regeneration.

Reusability of sewage sludge in clay bricks

Bricks produced from sewage sludge in different compositions were investigated. Results of the tests indicated that the sludge proportion is a key factor in determining the brick quality. Increasing the sludge content results in a decrease in brick shrinkage, bulk density, and compressive strength. Brick weight loss on ignition was mainly due to the contribution of the contained organic matter from the sludge being burnt off during the firing process, as well as inorganic substances found in both clay and sludge. The physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of the bricks that were supplemented with various proportions of dried sludge from 10 to 40 wt% and generally complied with the General Specification for Brick as per the Malaysian Standard MS 7.6:1972, which dictates the requirements for clay bricks used in walling in general. A standard leaching test method also showed that the leaching of metals from the bricks is very low.