Midf Launches 'hati' Halal Initiative With Rm100 Mln Dedicated Fund

KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Bhd (MIDF) launched the Halal Accreditation and Technology Improvement (HATI) initiative today, with a RM100 million dedicated fund to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

The HATI initiative is a comprehensive programme aimed at fostering growth, enhancing competitiveness, and promoting SMEs' expansion of their halal products and services globally, with a primary aim on modernisation and technology adoption.

MIDF chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Mamat said the HATI initiative is a holistic programme designed to provide comprehensive support through financing and ecosystem enhancement by providing RM100 million in dedicated financing for SMEs in the halal sector.

"Our goal is to support these enterprises in implementing halal initiatives, enhancing their operational efficiency, and meeting the stringent requirements of global halal markets," he said during the launching event at the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry today.

The HATI initiative was launched by Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

According to Abdul Rahman, the financing covers a wide range of activities, including halal certification, premises renovation, purchase of machinery, and other related expenses.

"This comprehensive support ensures that our SMEs can compete on a global scale and capitalise on the growing demand for halal products and services.

"One of the key components of HATI is our collaboration with strategic partners such as Halal Development Corporation Bd (HDC), Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM), and other stakeholders," he said.

Abdul Rahman added that the programme aims to fund a total of 50 SMEs with an initial target of 20 SMEs to be completed by this year.

In a separate statement, MIDF said that key highlights of the HATI initiative include providing SMEs with tailored financing solutions, including rates from four per cent to 6.5 per cent per annum.

"Other highlights are capacity development through collaboration with Halal Development Corporation (HDC) and leveraging strategic partnerships with HDC, Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and other stakeholders," it said.

-- BERNAMA