An Empirical Examination of the Bengkel Pematuhan Halal (BPH) by the Brunei Halal Food Control Division in Promoting Halal Certification Compliance

Abstract

Ensuring halal compliance is crucial for consumer confidence, industry credibility, and governance. The Bengkel Pematuhan Halal (BPH), conducted by the Halal Food Control Division in Brunei Darussalam, serves as a capacity-building initiative aimed at strengthening halal regulatory and compliance. This research evaluates the effectiveness of the BPH in enhancing participants’ awareness, practices, and commitment toward halal certification. Quantitative data were collected through pre- and post-workshop surveys administered to BPH participants (n = 35) to assess changes in halal knowledge and compliance readiness. Qualitative data were obtained via semi-structured interviews with selected participants and regulatory officers, providing in-depth insights into perceived challenges and outcomes. Statistical analysis was employed for quantitative findings, while thematic analysis guided the qualitative interpretation. Results indicate that the BPH significantly improves participants’ understanding of halal laws, documentation processes, and operational compliance. The programme fosters a stronger commitment to regulatory adherence, though challenges persist among small and medium enterprises, particularly regarding resource limitations and sustained implementation of best practices. This research contributes to halal governance literature by empirically examining the effectiveness of a compliance workshop, which provides evidence that structured interventions like the BPH can enhance halal assurance systems and offers policy recommendations for strengthening long-term compliance through continuous monitoring, digital support tools, and post-training follow-up.