Bank Muamalat Helps Four Entrepreneurs Get Jakim Halal Certification

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 (Bernama) -- The dreams of four entrepreneurs to obtain halal certification from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) were finally realised after they successfully completed the Halal Certification Programme offered by Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad (Bank Muamalat).

The four entrepreneurs are Siti Suraya Shariff, a producer of roselle-based products; Zai Suhana Mohd Tap, who specialises in soursop-based products; Abdul Rahman Hassan, a spice producer; and Benedette Anthony, a restaurant owner.

Bank Muamalat president and chief executive officer Khairul Kamarudin said that two of the entrepreneurs are asnaf entrepreneurs under Bank Muamalat's ITEKAD Entrepreneur Scheme, while the other two are Bank Muamalat customers who participated in the programme, managed by Serunai Commerce Sdn Bhd (Serunai).

Serunai is the official consultant appointed for the certification programme, aimed at helping B40 entrepreneurs grow their businesses, thereby creating more competitive entrepreneurs in the future.

Khairul said the initiative aligned with the government's goal of positioning Malaysia as a global halal market leader by 2025, with an export value of RM63.1 billion.

"Through this effort, Bank Muamalat aims to support local entrepreneurs in contributing to this export value, while also facilitating the international marketing of their products.

"With the Jakim halal certification, these entrepreneurs will further stimulate job creation by offering more employment opportunities as their businesses grow," he said at the handing over ceremony of the certificates at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) here today, in conjunction with the 2024 Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS).

As a full-fledged Islamic financial institution, Khairul said it viewed the halal certification as essential to safeguarding consumers in terms of halal authenticity and food hygiene, but many entrepreneurs were unaware of the application procedures.

"This is the added value when they join the Bank Muamalat Halal Certification Programme. We are targeting 100 participants, with 30 per cent of them obtaining the Jakim halal certificate by 2026.

"Apart from the food and beverage sector, we are also looking to explore other sectors where we can assist through programmes like this," he said.

Meanwhile, Siti Suraya, 41, thanked Bank Muamalat for holding the programme, as it has enabled her to market her roselle drinks and cordials in major supermarkets like Aeon and ST Rosyam Mart.

The cultivation of roselle under her company, Sorrellicious Legacy, in Klang near here has expanded from 1.6 hectares to four hectares since it started in 2019. This has inspired her to widen her market, aiming to penetrate Brunei, Thailand, and Singapore, as well as the United Arab Emirates this November.

Zai Suhana, 42, said she was offered to join the programme after securing a loan from Bank Muamalat to expand her business in Kampung Seri Aman, Puchong, recently.

“For a year, they (Bank Muamalat) provided guidance on finance, products, and marketing. With the halal certification, it is now easier for me to expand the market and participate in halal carnivals, as consumers feel more confident about the products,” she said.

Entrepreneurs interested in joining the Bank Muamalat Halal Certification Programme can visit the bank’s website at www.muamalat.com.my or visit the nearest Bank Muamalat branch.

They may also contact the Bank Muamalat Customer Service Centre at 03-2600 5500 for further information.

-- BERNAMA