JOHOR BAHRU, June 4 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said local halal entrepreneurs should explore halal markets beyond the food and beverage (F&B) sector, particularly pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, to meet growing international demand.
He said this is because 87 per cent of local halal products, including those exported abroad, are within the F&B sector.
“During my visits to several countries, I observed a high demand for halal pharmaceutical and cosmetic markets. I hope we can not only provide raw materials, but also produce finished products under Malaysian brands.
“We will approach this gradually with a target of 50 per cent F&B products and 50 per cent non-F&B products within the next 10 years,” he said told a press conference after officiating the Halal on Track@Johor programme at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre today.
He said the effort requires meticulous planning in collaboration with various agencies, including the Halal Development Corporation Berhad, the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and state religious authorities.
Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, urged Madani communities to take advantage of opportunities in the halal market, which is expected to be worth US$5 trillion (RM23.5 trillion) in 2030.
“The allocation of between RM50,000 to RM100,000 announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to each Madani community can be used to produce their halal products to improve villagers’ economy,” he said.
He also said MARA provides an allocation of RM5 million to guide local entrepreneurs to apply for Jakim’s halal certificate through the i-Bimbing initiative.
“This initiative aims to gather halal certificate applicants in small groups to be guided by consultants appointed by Jakim itself regarding conditions that must be complied with.
“It is hoped with this initiative, the issuance of certificates can be expedited to applicants within 23 days. I am also confident the halal certificate can be issued within 15 days with Jakim’s guidance. This is a challenge but I am confident they can do it,” he said.
He said Jakim has received 8,375 applications between October and December 2023, an increase of 15 per cent compared with 7,230 applications between January and September of the same year.
Zahid hopes Jakim will be more proactive in issues related to the Malaysian Halal Certification issue in line with the agency’s 50th anniversary this year.
The Halal on Track programme organised by Jakim and state religious departments is a platform for the industry to obtain guidance and detailed explanations about application procedures for the Malaysian Halal Certification.
— Bernama
