THE Malaysian Standards Department has developed three accreditation standards that conform to halal status, said Science, Technology and Information Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili.

Two of the standards are being used by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) in its halal certification.

The third is being used voluntarily by 10 companies that are running an Islam-based quality management system.

The minister said this in reply to a question from Azan Ismail (PKR-Indera Mahkota).

A boost for biodiesel
PUBLIC transport vehicles hold potential for bio-diesel as they use large amounts of diesel, Plantation Industry and Commodities Minister Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui said yesterday.

He said the government was studying the possibility of using jatropha curcas, a non-edible oil-rich seed, as a source of bio-diesel.

He said this was in line with the trend towards using non-edible materials to produce bio-diesel.

"However, this is at the research and development stage."

He said this in reply to a question by Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (PKR-Machang).

No plans to abolish STPM

THE government has no plans to abolish the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia and matriculation examinations as they prepare students for higher studies.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Khaled Nordin said these examinations were a consideration for entry to universities.

He said this in a written reply to a question from Loke Siew Fook (DAP-Rasah).

Projects to aid the poor

THE government hopes to pull 10,000 families out of hardcore poverty by 2010 through the implementation of several projects in the country.

Rural and Regional Development Minister Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib said the projects involved 35,044ha with a budget of RM1.12 billion.

They would be carried out in Sabah, Sarawak, Kelantan, Perak, Pahang, Terengganu, Negri Sembilan and Malacca, he said in reply to a question from Johari Abdullah (PKR-Sungai Petani).

Contracts to be reviewed

THE Housing and Local Government Ministry is reviewing the contracts of all concessionaires responsible for garbage collection.

Deputy Minister Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew said the government was aware of the weaknesses in the performance of the concessionaires.

"We will formulate a key performance index to monitor their performance. If they fail to perform, we will take action," he said in reply to a supplementary question by Fong Kui Lun (DAP-Bukit Bintang).

Punish those against unity

ACTION must be taken against anyone, be it from the government or opposition or any agency that threatens the country's security and harmony.

"If no strong action is taken, there is no guarantee this union will remain forever," Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Shafie Apdal said yesterday.

Shafie said this in reply to a supplementary question by Datuk Mohamad Aziz (BN-Sri Gading).

He added efforts must be made to inculcate good values in youth.