Plan for separate trolleys for halal and non-halal items

KUALA LUMPUR: The Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry (KPDNKK) proposed to set guidelines on the segregation of trolleys for halal and non-halal items in the supermarkets under the business licensing requirements in future.
Its secretary-general Datuk Seri Alias Ahmad said at present the government only encouraged supermarket operators to segregate the use of trolleys and it was not compulsory.
"At present it is not mandatory to have segregated trolleys but the ministry encouraged supermarket operators to make it a practice as we believe this self compliance will open the eyes of others to follow suit.
"But if the self compliance cannot be implemented at one point, then the government has no other option but to set the guidelines to ensure Muslim consumers are more comfortable and confident to make their purchase," he said today after a walkabout at the NSK Supermarket in Kuchai Lama here which implemented the trolley segregation.
He said among the guidelines to be determined are differentiating the trolley's colour and separate payment counters for halal and non-halal items.
In another development, Alias said seafood supply was expected to be reduced by 30% during the Chinese New Year celebrations due to the El Nino phenomenon that hit the country at present.
However he said the ministry was cooperating with the various relevant agencies to ensure adequate supply by importing seafood to meet consumers' demand.
"We also place 2,300 enforcement officers to monitor prices and ensure traders comply to the regulations," he added. — Bernama