KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 8 (Bernama) — Halal certification actually plays a critical role in expanding the local product market to the international level where the halal product and service market is expected to be worth US$5 trillion in 2030, said Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican.
He said Malaysia emerged as a leader in the global halal industry, setting standards of excellence and innovation that became benchmarks.
“Malaysia's leadership in this sector is undisputed, always reaching new limits and raising standards at the international level," he said in a post on his Facebook page today.
He was clearing the air over the statement made by Seputeh Member of Parliament Teresa Kok who said that halal certification will burden Malaysian traders.
“As a pioneer, Malaysia not only strengthened its position as a trusted authority but also played an important role in shaping the future of the global halal economy,” said Reezal.
He said the close cooperation between MATRADE and Halal Development Corporation (HDC) ensures that Malaysia's halal products are recognised and accepted at the international level, further strengthening Malaysia's position as the leader in the global halal industry.
“With halal certification, Malaysian traders are given access to a vast global market, comprising more than 1.9 billion Muslim consumers or representing 24 per cent of the world's total population.”
This is a significant opportunity for dealers to increase sales and expand their brands, he said, adding that this certification builds consumer trust and confidence, which is important in driving increased sales.
"The government, through JAKIM (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia) always strives to ensure that the halal certification process is efficient and trader-friendly. Steps have been taken to improve this process so that it is not burdensome in terms of time and cost," he said.
At the same time, Reezal said many micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Malaysia produce halal products for export purposes, opening job opportunities and adding value to the country's economy.
“This certification makes it easier for local products to be accepted in the international market, which contributes to increasing the country's exports,” he said.
He said Malaysia has attracted foreign investment as a centre for the manufacture of halal products, further strengthening the country's position as a global halal hub.
"Apart from the economic spillover at the national level, the country's halal industry has also succeeded in bringing in multinational companies to invest such as Coca-Cola, F&N, Nestle, Kelogg's and Hershey's," he said.
More significantly, he said, the halal industry has contributed as much as 7.4 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2022 (RM108.5 billion) and is expected to increase to 10.8 per cent by 2030 (RM231.1 billion).
"Overall, these latest statistics and developments strengthen Malaysia's position as a leader in the global halal industry," he said.
According to Reezal, MATRADE understands the concerns of Malaysian companies and will remain committed to continuing to provide the necessary support to ensure that the halal certification is a process that provides benefits and is not a burden to Malaysian companies, especially exporters.
"Malaysia's firm commitment to halal practices continues to inspire and build confidence at the global level, while strengthening its position as a key leader in this rapidly growing industry," he added.
— BERNAMA
