by Suhaila Shahrul Annuar
SHAH ALAM, July 1 – Selangor has over 5,000 entrepreneurs with active halal certificates, according to Islamic Religious Affairs, Consumers Affairs and Halal Industry Committee chairman Mohd Zawawi Ahmad Mughni.
Speaking on the rapid growth of the halal industry, Mohd Zawawi highlighted that the scope of halal certification extends beyond food and beverages, leading to an increased number of applications for halal certification in the state.
"Selangor is the first state to establish a halal industry portfolio with the aim of empowering this sector due to its tremendous potential.
“The halal industry includes not only food and beverages but also pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, tourism, and finance, with business transactions reaching trillions of dollars," he said in an interview on Selamat Pagi Malaysia, which was broadcast live from Teratak Shah Bonda in Tanjung Sepat, earlier today.
Mohd Zawawi further outlined several programmes implemented in Selangor to enhance the capabilities of the halal industry, including the Selangor International Halal Conference (Selhac).
"Selhac serves as a platform that brings together product manufacturers, importers, exporters, and all stakeholders in the halal industry value chain. Additionally, business matching programmes are organised to facilitate connections between suppliers and major retailers, thereby expanding their market reach," he added.
To support industry players in developing the halal industry, Selangor has also introduced the Authorised Halal International Selangor Operator (AHO) programme, which collects data and provides assistance to businesses in the halal industry.
Previously, Mohd Zawawi said as of June 2023, a total of 5,365 entrepreneurs have obtained halal certificates.
Out of this number, 1,086 entrepreneurs are Bumiputera (20 per cent), while 4,279 entrepreneurs are non-Bumiputera (80 per cent), indicating the distribution of active halal certificates among different business owners in the state.
