Malaysia has to grow the halal sector outside of only certification, advises Anwar

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim argues Malaysia has to grow its halal sector outside of certification considerations.

The Prime Minister noted that the world’s halal commerce, worth approaching billions of dollars, has great potential.

The halal industry encompasses not only animal slaughter but also manufacturing and cosmetics.

“We must seriously consider how we can elevate the halal industry so that we may become the hub of halal industry activities, including comprehensive Islamic financing according to the objectives of Maqasid Syariah,” he said in his speech at the launch of the Penang International Halal Expo on Saturday (Dec 7).

Regarding this, Anwar said that to guarantee a more whole and solid knowledge of this sector, particularly among small and medium businesses, the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (Jakim) must cooperate with other government agencies, such as the Halal Development Corporation, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade), and Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).