KUANTAN, July 6 — The value of Malaysia’s halal exports reached RM54 billion last year, said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
He said the halal industry’s vital role is to catalyse the country’s economic growth, and it has tremendous potential to grow as the global halal industry value is expected to hit US$5 trillion (RM23.55 trillion) by 2030.
The minister said the government is committed to increasing the number of entrepreneurs producing halal products, and several approaches have been taken, including via the Jelajah Halal Malaysia (JHM) programme carried out by its agency, the Halal Development Corporation Bhd (HDC).
“JHM aims to help micro, small and medium industries (MSMEs) gain opportunities to penetrate domestic and export markets in the halal industry.
“Since the JHM’s inception in 2022, more than 1,800 MSMEs have successfully participated in the programme,” he said in his speech at the Jelajah Halal Malaysia@Paya Besar event here today.
The event was also attended by Paya Besar MP Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah.
Tengku Zafrul said the HDC has assisted 15 entrepreneurs in placing their products at Mydin Tunjong Hypermarket via business-matching at a previous JHM event in Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
He also said the Islamic Development Department told him that 158 companies in Pahang have been halal certified as of July 1.
“I am certain the (Pahang) government and the Pahang Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council have initiated various programmes to elevate food and beverage companies so they can obtain halal certification,” he said.
Tengku Zafrul also said his ministry is prepared to offer its services to improve the local economy, especially in the halal industry.
Meanwhile, HDC chairman Khairul Azwan said holding JHM events is part of his firm’s responsibility to prepare entrepreneurs to expand their businesses until they can export their products globally.
“This (JHM programme) is a platform for local MSMEs to obtain the information and skills to expand their capabilities as a company that can grow beyond their current scope,” he said.
More than 200 participants attended the JHM event in Paya Besar, and local entrepreneurs were provided with the latest information on opportunities in the halal industry. They received assistance in Islamic banking and takaful products, as well as information on halal certification and halal development and training.
— Bernama
