13MP: Halal Commission To Be Set Up As Sole Authority On Halal Governance, Development

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- A halal commission will be established, a sole entity responsible for halal governance and development, coordinating and facilitating industry needs while promoting investment.

According to the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) document released by the Ministry of Economy today, the commission will also serve as a reference and standards hub for the global halal industry.

It said that the halal commission is part of efforts to transform the country’s halal ecosystem, boosting productivity and the halal industry’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and exports, thus maintaining Malaysia’s position as a global halal leader.

“In addition, the market expansion programme for halal products and services to the international level will be strengthened to support the scaling up of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the halal industry.

“The role of halal industrial parks will be reinforced to facilitate the development of high-value halal industry,” read the document.

Tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the Dewan Rakyat today, the 13MP is rooted in three pillars: the development of a sovereign and dignified nation-state, a social system grounded on Insan MADANI, and the transition towards an artificial-intelligence economy.

The five-year national development plan aims at shaping an inclusive and progressive society, supporting Malaysia to be a digital technology leader in the region, creating innovation as well as globally competitive ‘Made by Malaysia’ products and services.

During the tabling of the plan, Anwar said the government aims to increase Malaysia’s halal export value to RM80 billion and to raise the industry’s contribution to the GDP to 11 per cent.

According to the document, legislation will be drafted to harmonise halal guidelines, regulations and procedures at the federal and state levels to complement the establishment of the halal commission.

“The focus is on matters related to certification, auditing, promotion and enforcement of the halal logo.

“The legislation is crucial to resolve various issues that impede halal industry development and coordinate the roles and functions of the 198 relevant agencies,” it added.

In 2024, the halal industry contributed 7.7 per cent to the GDP, totalling RM149 billion, compared to 7.6 per cent in 2021. Meanwhile, the value of halal exports reached RM61.8 billion, up from RM36.6 billion during the same period.

-- BERNAMA