GEORGE TOWN: The number of Malaysian Halal Certification holders in Penang has increased in the last three years, totalling 4,973 holders.

Deputy Chief Minister I, Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid (PH-Batu Maung), said this figure includes 1,435 holders in 2021, 1,729 in 2022, and 1,809 until October.

In addition to certificate holders, halal certificate applications have risen from 1,015 in 2021, 1,031 in 2022, and 920 by October 2023.

"The increase in the number of Malaysian Halal Certification holders reflects awareness among traders or entrepreneurs.

"The Halal Management Division of the Penang Islamic Religious Affairs Department is always proactive in promoting halal awareness periodically to industry players, either independently or through collaborations," he said during his winding-up speech on Thursday (Nov 30).

He said that the Malaysian Islamic Development Department at the federal level is improving and upgrading the MYeHALAL system to be more customer-friendly.

"This effort is expected to help further increase the number of Malaysian Halal Certification holders in Penang, in particular.

"The state Islamic department has also implemented the Immediate Malaysian Halal Certification Initiative 2.0, which approves complete halal certificate applications within 30 working days, on November 1, 2023,” he said.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/11/30/number-of-halal-certification-holders-in-penang-has-increased-says-minister