The Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry has proposed to set guidelines on the segregation of trolleys for halal and non-halal items in the supermarkets under the business licencing requirements in future.

Secretary-general Alias Ahmad said at present the government only encourages supermarket operators to segregate the use of trolleys and it is not compulsory.

“At present it is not mandatory to have segregated trolleys but the ministry encourages 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 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.

- Bernama