Exploring challenges on Brunei’s governmental agencies towards ensuring halal compliance and consumer safety efficacy

Abstract

The global halal food industry is rapidly expanding, with Brunei actively supporting its MSMEs to capitalise on this lucrative market. With projections exceeding USD 6.0 trillion by 2024, Brunei aims to establish itself as a prominent halal hub, leveraging its premium local halal brand. Halal products are appealing not only to Muslims but also to non-Muslims due to perceived quality, safety, and hygienic standards. However, as the industry grows, maintaining the integrity of halal products becomes increasingly challenging, necessitating effective monitoring. Hence, this study explores the challenges faced by the Brunei government agencies in ensuring halal compliance and consumer safety, while also examining halal certificate holders’ perceptions of the efficacy of these agencies in carrying out their roles. By addressing the challenges identified and responding to halal certificate holder’s perceptions, governmental agencies can work towards improving halal compliance and ensuring consumer safety effectively; it aims to optimize halal compliance and food safety assurance within Brunei's halal food industry, offering insights for strategic planning and continuous improvement in regulatory frameworks. The findings demonstrate a high degree of confidence in the roles and responsibilities of HFCD and BDFA, with respondents expressing favourable perspectives on their efficacy. Mean values of 3.73 to 4.13 demonstrate statistical significance, confirming the critical role of government agencies in maintaining halal compliance and food safety. Positive perceptions of agency effectiveness enhance consumer confidence, uphold Brunei's standing as a trustworthy halal product producer, and attract investment into the halal market.