KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 16 (Bernama) — Halal Development Corporation Bhd (HDC) targets 2,443 halal exporters from Malaysia this year, compared to 1,600 as of December 2024.
HDC is a central agency advancing Malaysia’s halal ecosystem under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).
Its chief executive officer, Hairol Ariffein Sahari said HDC will continue to intensify efforts to identify potential local companies in the halal sector.
He said that Malaysian companies face challenges in becoming halal exporters, including the lack of a “halal compliance manager” responsible for developing halal operational frameworks, the ability to identify potential halal markets, and a “wait-and-see” attitude.
“Such companies must also have market intelligence to ensure they have a clear direction and strategy in the halal economy, as well as guidance on exporting their products internationally,” Hairol Ariffein told reporters after hosting an exclusive media briefing to the editors, focusing on the halal economy and its significance to Malaysia, here today.
He noted that over 200,000 local companies are now engaged in halal-related business activities. As of December last year, only 9,162 companies across various segments held halal certification from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM).
Of these 9,162 companies, only 1,600 are halal exporters, which is still considered low compared to the global halal market demand, which now exceeds US$3 trillion, said Hairol Ariffein.
Touching on Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship this year, HDC chairman Khairul Azwan Harun said Malaysia would assist other member countries in developing halal ecosystems in their countries, in addition to improving bilateral trade between Malaysia and ASEAN counterparts.
“In ASEAN, we have more than 650 million people. We must grab this opportunity for the 10 ASEAN member countries to benefit from the halal economy. We should not let other countries outside ASEAN profit exponentially from the halal market,” he said.
Khairul Azwan added that in line with Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN this year, HDC would collaborate with agencies such as the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and JAKIM to continue promoting Malaysia’s halal products to other countries.
The agency stated that it is committed to focusing on halal innovation excellence this year, crucial for making Malaysia a global leader in the halal economy.
This commitment is part of the Halal Industry Master Plan (HIMP) 2030, which outlines strategic initiatives to enhance growth and competitiveness in the halal sector.
HIMP 2030 emphasises the importance of promoting six key halal sectors, including food, cosmetics and personal care, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, tourism, and modest fashion, to diversify and strengthen Malaysia’s halal economy.
— BERNAMA
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