PUTRAJAYA, Aug 27 — The Halal Industrial Park Improvement Task Committee meeting today agreed on the appointment of Halal Development Corporation Bhd (HDC) as secretariat to the committee and of the Malaysian Halal Council.
Deputy Prime Minister and Halal Industry Development Council (MPIH) chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said it is because a holistic approach must be taken considering the potential and wide demand for halal products that should be utilised by local industry players.
“Special attention must be given in developing the halal industry so it can become a hub for the production and distribution of halal products to meet the growing demand in the local and international markets,” he said in a statement after chairing the Halal Industrial Park Improvement Task Force Meeting today.
The meeting was aimed to discuss the industrial park improvement initiative with Halal Malaysia (Halmas) as a follow-up to the MPIH that was held last June 10.
He said a successful halal industrial park must have a positive spillover effect on the national economy and the development of all 14 halal industrial parks with a total area of 5,476ha will be able to attract local investment and foreigners, further creating more job opportunities and contributing to economic growth.
“At the same time only three out of 14 halal industrial parks have recorded a percentage of land use exceeding 70 percent, which is in POIC Tanjung Langsat, Techpark@Enstek and Melaka Halal Hub. recommendations to improve its effectiveness,” said Zahid.
Halmas is an accreditation offered to halal park operators who successfully comply with guidelines set under the HDC halal park development.
Halmas status allows industry players and investors to enjoy the incentives offered by HDC.
In addition, Zahid said today’s meeting identified several issues such as the lack of incentives and clear guidance for micro, small and medium enterprises, insufficient infrastructure, limited public transport networks, and lack of promotional strategies in efforts to attract foreign investors.
“Finally, I urge the federal government, state government, agencies and operators to cooperate in developing a halal industrial park. I am confident the comprehensive strategy and integrated cooperation will be able to contribute towards the development and optimal use of the halal industrial park,” he said.
— Bernama
