DISCOVER OTHER HALAL SECTORS BESIDES F&B, WE ENCOURAGE LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS

JOHOR BAHRU, June 4 (Bernama) – Local halal entrepreneurs are encouraged to explore new halal markets in addition to the food and beverage (F&B) sector, especially in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries, to meet growing international demand.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said this is because currently 87 per cent of local halal products, including those exported abroad, come from the F&B sector.

“During my visits to several countries, I observed high demand for the halal pharmaceutical and cosmetics markets. I hope that we will be able to not only supply raw materials and ingredients but also produce final products under Malaysian brands.

“We will take a phased approach to this, setting a target of 50% F&B and 50% non-F&B in the next 10 years,” he said at a press conference after the official launch of the Halal on Track@Johor program at the Persada Johor International Convention Center here today.

However, he said these efforts require meticulous planning in collaboration with various agencies, including the Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC), the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (JAKIM) and state religious authorities.

Ahmad Zahid, also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, urged MADANI communities to seize the opportunities offered by the halal market, which is expected to be worth USD 5 trillion by 2030.

“The allocation of RM50,000 to RM100,000 announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for each MADANI community can be used to produce suitable halal products to improve the economy of the villagers,” he said.

He also said MARA is providing an allocation of RM5 million to help local entrepreneurs apply for JAKIM’s halal certification through the i-Bimbing initiative.

“This initiative aims to bring halal certification applicants together in small groups, which will be guided by consultants appointed by JAKIM itself on the conditions that need to be met.

“We hope that with this initiative, the issuance of certificates to applicants will be expedited within 23 days. However, I am sure that halal certificate can be issued within 15 days under JAKIM’s guidance. It’s a challenge, but I’m sure they can handle it,” he said.

According to him, JAKIM received a total of 8,375 applications between October and December 2023, which means an increase of 15%. compared to 7,230 applications between January and September of the same year.

Therefore, Ahmad Zahid hopes JAKIM will be more proactive on issues related to Malaysian Halal certification as the agency celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

The Halal on Track program organized by JAKIM in conjunction with state religious affairs departments provides a platform for the industry to gain guidance, understanding and detailed explanations on the procedures for applying for a Malaysian Halal Certification Certificate (SPHM).

— BERNAMA

SSR PNW MRZN

BERNAMA provides timely, authentic and comprehensive news and information disseminated through BERNAMA Wires; www.bernama.com; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 IFLIX and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching).

Follow us on social media:
Facebook: @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio
Twitter: @bernama.com, @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio
Instagram: @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial
TIK TOK: @bernamaofficial