By Aida Nyan
SHAH ALAM, Sept 28 — The low level of awareness among business owners and industry players has been identified as the main reason for the lack of interest in applying for halal certification in Malaysia.
Halal Academy technical director Haridyanti Ben said the concept of halal certification is not solely based on legal requirements, but also encompasses health, safety, and food quality standards.
"These industry players lack awareness of the halal concept, where halal certification in Malaysia is based on the principle of halalan toyyiban (comprehensive wholesomeness)," he said.
Speaking on SelangorTV's 'Hai Selangor' programme yesterday, she said there are nine schemes encouraged to apply for halal certification, including food and beverages, cosmetics, and hotels.
Halal Academy serves as a training supervisor appointed by the Department of Islamic Development (Jakim) to manage halal capacity in innovation and professional development.
Meanwhile, the Halal International Selangor Toyyiba Sdn Bhd general manager Muhammad Syaril Showkat Ali said halal certification can help standardise the halal industry's ecosystem.
He added that Malaysia’s globally recognised halal certification also provides businesses with opportunities to penetrate international markets, thereby boosting the economy.
"Jakim has established standards as a reference for the entire world. Malaysia is the leader and pioneer in halal certification, and we have become a global benchmark," Syaril said.
“Jakim mewujudkan piawaian sebagai rujukan seluruh dunia. Malaysia adalah peneraju, pelopor utama dalam pensijilan halal dan kita menjadi rujukan seluruh dunia,” katanya.
In July, state executive councillor for Islamic affairs and innovation Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah urged Bumiputera companies to apply for halal certification to strengthen their product image and compete in and explore foreign markets.
He said that data shows that only 30 percent of the total Jakim halal certification applicants are Bumiputera entrepreneurs.
