In addition, the 12 MUIS-approved abattoirs saw a 7% increase in labels issued
for halal-slaughtered poultry.
However, a regulatory measure was taken against the Western Food Stall at
Raffles Institution in October for six months. It had refused to stop selling
items that were of doubtful halal status.
Mosque building fund
With the aid of qualified officers and ready funds, it had been smooth sailing
for most Mosque Building Fund (MBF) projects. Projects were mostly completed below
budget and on time. Close relations and communication with the Mosque Building
Committees assisted greatly in the over-all progress of works. Kassim Mosque was
reopened in July while Wisma Indah opened in October. Close collaboration between
the Property and Finance departments led to the full occupation of Wisma Indah
before the building opened. Old mosques such as Khalid and Hj Salleh (Geylang)
experienced slight delays but there were no other major problems. The projects
were completed before Ramadan, providing support to the high density of Muslim
population in the east.
A pilot project was undertaken for four eastern mosques for the collective
maintenance of the mosques and wakaf properties. This was a bold move towards
operating like a private establishment while exploring collective efforts to reap
economies of scale.
Mosque Phase IV planning saw a partnership between MUIS and a private company. The
company will assist MUIS to study the future needs of Muslims in Singapore with
regard to mosques. In line with the government’s projection of population and
residential provisions, this is a pro-active effort towards the planned building
of mosques.
Wakaf and property development
1999 also saw a new approach to property planning and management when an established
property management company was awarded a three-year contract to manage MUIS properties.
This was a creative step towards a more organised property management involving private
operators.
