McDonald’s Malaysia continues to invest in halal fast food

Photo credit: Masuti / Shutterstock.com

Golden Arches Restaurants Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., which owns and manages the McDonald’s fast food chain in Malaysia, established its own halal affairs department early this year to engage in tasks and responsibilities related to halal issues and practice.

According to Wan Mohd Zam Wan Embong, Chairman of the Internal Halal Committee and member of the board of directors, the company takes halal compliance very seriously. “Our restaurants are regularly audited by JAKIM [the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia] to ensure compliance with halal practices. We have established an internal system that not only allows us to respond to any queries or improvement requests or suggestions immediately, but it also ensures that each of our senior management team members is aware of the audit process and the observation/outcome during every audit,” he told Salaam Gateway in an email interview.

The chain commands an approximate 40 percent share in the local quick-service restaurant market, with some 260 McDonald’s restaurants in Malaysia serving 13.5 million customers every month (for comparison, there are about 500 KFC restaurants nationwide). The company aims to increase its market presence to 400 restaurants in the coming years.

ENSURING HEALTH AND HALAL STANDARDS

In 1995, McDonald’s Malaysia became the first quick-service restaurant chain to be awarded a halal certificate in the country. Its first outlet, located in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, opened its doors in 1982.

According to Wan Embong, McDonald’s Malaysia works closely with all 40 of its local suppliers to ensure food safety, quality, and hygiene in accordance with its operation standards. It also continuously invests in customer awareness programs to educate the public with nutritional information about its products.

For the first time, the chain will be participating in the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) in Kuala Lumpur that opens tomorrow and runs through April 2. Now in its 13th year, MIHAS will see the participation of 528 companies and 29 countries.

FACING UP TO CONTROVERSY

“As a brand that has been part of the community for the last 34 years, we have had our fair share of challenges,” said Wan Embong.

One doesn’t have to go far back to find them. Last year, McDonald’s Malaysia was embroiled in controversy when Malaysians protested its alleged support for one side of a conflict in the Middle East.

Wan Embong is unequivocal in his dismissal of these charges: “[Let] me make it very clear that those allegations against us are false. They are lies and slander perpetuated by irresponsible parties. We do not endorse or support any form of political conflict, nor do we channel sales proceeds, profits, or royalties to support any political or religious conflicts anywhere in the world.”

© SalaamGateway.com 2016