KUALA LUMPUR: Over 80% or 7,306 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) currently hold Malaysia’s Halal Verification Certificate, according to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar (pic).
During the debate for his portfolio on the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) Mid-Term Review (MTR) at the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Sept 18), he reported that the total number of halal certificate holders across all industry categories was 8,272 companies.
Out of these, 3,270 companies, or 39.53%, are categorized as bumiputera certificate holders, he added.
“From various Cabinet meetings and inter-ministerial meetings, the Halal Development Corporation (HDC) has been appointed to focus on industry training and guidance, ensuring that the industry is prepared to apply for Malaysia’s halal verification certificate,” said Mohd Na’im.
He further stated, “In order to enhance the governance of the SME industry, the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) actively works with entrepreneur guidance agencies under the ministry, facilitating the aspects of halal certification standards and procedures, including the application procedures.”
In addition to large group facilitation sessions, Jakim also conducts focus group sessions with companies experiencing challenges in halal certification at the pre-application, current, and post-halal certification stages.
Mohd Na’im highlighted that the department collaborates with experts from both public and private institutes, such as Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Halal Products Research Institute (HPRI), to strengthen the halal ecosystem locally and internationally.
Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad (BN-Parit Sulong), during the debate on the 12MP-MTR, suggested that the government improve governance for the industry, particularly for the SME group, in order to add more value to the halal market.
Regarding the proposal to establish a specific act to regulate the halal industry, Mohd Na’im explained that for now, existing laws such as the Trade Description Act 2011 (Act 730), Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking of Halal) Order 2011, and Trade Descriptions (Definition of Halal) Order 2011, as well as state enactments, remain relevant and meet current needs and requirements. – Bernama
Credit: The Star : News Feed
