The world's first halal pharmaceutical standard, the MS 2424:2012 Halal Pharmaceuticals - General Guidelines, was launched at Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur tonight.

The standard was launched by Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Fadillah Yusof in conjunction with the first technical meeting on Development and Harmonisation of Standards on Pharmaceuticals and Vaccines among OIC member states.

The MS 2424:2012 Halal Pharmaceuticals - General Guidelines was developed by the Industry Standards Committee on Halal Standards (ISC) under the Department of Standards Malaysia.

To ensure the credibility and reliability of the standard, the ISC was represented by various organisations including Standards Malaysia, Jakim, Ministry of Health, the National Pharmaceutical Bureau and standards institute Sirim Bhd.

This standard helps to address the halal integrity aspects of the manufacturing and servicing chain, from processing to handling, packaging, labelling, distribution, storage and display of medicines and health supplements.

It also aims to serve as the basic document of reference for the requirements and critical areas in the manufacturing and handling of halal pharmaceuticals to help industry players to meet the required standards.

The standard also aims to enhance consumer confidence as absolute halal integrity is secured in the pharmaceutical supply chain.

- Bernama