SABAH OFFERS VAST POTENTIAL FOR HALAL INDUSTRY - HDC

By Khatijah Jistoh

TAWAU, July 23 (Bernama) -- Sabah has much to offer the halal industry, given its rich reserves of raw materials and semi-finished goods, alongside its strategic geographical advantages, said Halal Development Corporation (HDC) chief executive officer Hairol Ariffein Sahari.

Its excellent flight connectivity -- which includes direct flights between Tawau and China -- provides vast opportunities for the growth of halal businesses and seamless integration into global halal supply chains, linking Malaysia with key markets like China, Japan and South Korea.

“We aim to showcase the potential of Sabah's resources and entrepreneurs to manufacturers in Peninsular Malaysia and worldwide, enabling them to produce high-quality halal products," he told Bernama following the launch of the Halal Malaysia Journey@Tawau Sabah programme here today.

He stressed the importance of raw materials and semi-finished goods used in manufacturing processes to be halal-certified, adding that HDC is actively seeking suppliers, particularly from Sabah, who are capable of providing certified halal ingredients or semi-finished goods.

HDC's primary aim for the halal industry is to contribute 11 per cent to Malaysia's gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030, with Sabah expected to significantly bolster this contribution.

“I hope that through collaboration between the Federal and state governments, Sabah's contribution to the country's halal GDP export can reach up to 2.0-3.0 per cent by 2030, given the immense potential we see in this state," he added.

 Hairol Ariffein also projected the nation’s halal exports to increase by 5.0-6.0 per cent this year from RM53 billion recorded in 2023.

On the Halal Malaysia Journey, he noted that the programme has generated RM25.7 million in sales since its inception in 2021, involving over 2,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide.

“The three-day Halal Malaysia Journey @ Tawau, Sabah which starts today, aims to provide MSMEs with insights into local and export market opportunities in the halal industry.

“It also focuses on developing local talent through skills enhancement, retraining, and cross-skilling initiatives," he said.

Meanwhile, Sabah State Assistant Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy who had launched the programme, highlighted Sabah's potential to become a diversified halal hub encompassing not only food but also services, including tourism.

He noted that Sabah boasts natural attractions like Tawau and Semporna, ideal for promoting Muslim-friendly tourism.

"I believe that the Halal Malaysia Journey @ Tawau, Sabah, conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry and HDC, would boost local economic growth involving halal products and services,” he said.

He also underscored various efforts by the state government through the Ministry of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Sabah to support local entrepreneurs, including the establishment of the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (MUIS) Halal Hub.

“The MUIS Halal Hub also assists entrepreneurs who do not have dedicated processing facilities or permanent factories in obtaining Malaysian halal certifications through the Cottage Industry Halal Certification for food and beverage entrepreneurs in Sabah.

“The state government also supports Sabah entrepreneurs’ efforts to explore opportunities in the halal industry, given that the global halal market is expected to reach RM5 trillion in 2030,” said Andi Muhammad Suryady. 

He also encouraged MSMEs, including large-scale enterprises in Sabah, to register as members of the Halal Integrated Platform (HIP) to facilitate connections with other halal industries and access business support services.

-- BERNAMA