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A better understanding of
what the term halal constitutes is needed in
order for industries associated with it to grow
and for Malaysia to become a global hub.
Halal Industry Development Corporation Sdn Bhd (HDC)
managing director and chief executive officer
Datuk Seri Jamil Bidin said society at large
needed a better understanding of halal and its
“true definition”.
HDC was established in September 2006 to
coordinate the overall development of the halal
industry in the country. Its main focus is the
development of halal standards, auditing and
certification, capacity-building for halal
products and services as well as promoting and
facilitating the growth and participation of
local companies in the global halal market.
“Halal products are not just for Muslims but for
everybody,” Jamil told StarBiz, adding that
there was a move to change that perception
amongst non-Muslims.
He added that HDC has the mandate to help change
society’s perception of the halal label not just
another label but as an assurance of quality,
cleanliness and safety.
Jamil said that the halal business was very
lucrative with the current global halal market
valued at US$2.1 trillion. He said Malaysia
provided the best global model for the halal
industries and many countries had followed in
it’s footsteps.
“Our halal logo is globally recognised and many
countries have accepted our halal certification.
We follow strict regulation when issuing halal
certification to maintain a certain standard so
that the world will know our halal products are
processed at the highest standards,” he said.
Jamil said Malaysia has about 500 restaurants
and 26 hotels with the halal certification and
hope the number would grow in the future.
“The only hurdle now is that legislation for
halal products still does not exist for
enforcement purposes,” he said, adding that
legislation was being drafted.
“Maybe, by next year we can get approval from
the Government for the halal Act,” Jamil said.
He said the Government supported the halal
industries via specific funding.
Jamil said HDC acted as a facilitator for the
halal industries because 98% of companies
involved in these industries were small and
medium enterprises, most of whom lack the
financial capability to expand their business on
a global scale.
“Apart from that ,we also work closely with the
Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation
(MATRADE) to help SMEs to participate in
exhibitions around the world,” he said.
HDC also constantly communicates with the
private sector and chambers of commerce to get
feedback on how to improve efficiency in these
industries. Jamil said the HDC was hoping to
become a reference centre for training and
certification. “Training is given especially to
non-Muslim companies to teach them about the
halal industries,” he said. There are three
courses available for those interested in the
halal industries.
Jamil said Malaysia’s halal industries should
focus on four areas namely food items such as
processed and canned food, halal ingredients for
cosmetic and personal care and livestock.
“We import about RM800mil worth of beef on an
annual basis and they are mostly from India.
“We should find ways on how to develop our own
capability in producing beef for the market and
not relying on imported beef,” he said.
Jamil added that halal beef and lamb products
are currently dominated by non-Muslim countries
such as Australia, Brazil and New Zealand, who
exported to Muslim countries.
“Malaysia should take this opportunity to
develop its livestock products because the halal
beef and lamb market is very lucrative and has a
lot of demand. It is expanding at 25% to 30%
yearly.
According to him, HDC would spearhead Malaysia’s
vision to develop the halal industries as a
powerful market force, bringing the benefits of
halal products and services to both Muslims and
non-Muslims throughout the world. |
