BERNAMA – The value of Malaysia’s halal exports reached MYR54 billion in 2023, said Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
He said the halal industry plays a vital role as a catalyst for the country’s economic growth, and the sector has tremendous potential to grow as the global halal industry, including both products and services, is expected to hit USD5 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 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 exposure to opportunities to penetrate domestic and export markets in the halal industry.
“Since the JHM programme’s inception in 2022, more than 1,800 MSMEs have successfully participated in the programme,” he said yesterday.
Tengku Zafrul said the HDC assisted 15 entrepreneurs in placing their products at the Mydin Tunjong Hypermarket through a business matching session at a previous JHM programme in Kota Bahru, Kelantan.
Commenting on Pahang’s halal sector, he said the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) has informed him that 158 companies in the state hold halal certification as at July 1.
“Nevertheless, I am certain the (Pahang) state government and the Pahang Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MUIP) have initiated various programmes to elevate food and beverage companies so that they can obtain halal certification,” he said.
Tengku Zafrul also acknowledged that several locations have the potential to be developed and contribute to the economic development of their residents; the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) is prepared to offer its services to improve the local economy, especially in the halal industry.
