OVER 50% of the 9,146 companies issued halal certificates up to July 2024 are non-bumiputra businesses, says Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said that of the 9,146 companies that received halal certification from the Islamic Development Malaysia Department (Jakim), 8,105 were small, medium and micro enterprises (MSME).

“Of these, 3,616 were bumiputra companies, while 5,270 were non-bumiputra companies,” said the Deputy Prime Minister during the Ministerial Question Time on July 18.

He said there were also 1,041 multinational companies with halal certificates, and he added that the Halal Industry Master Plan 2030 (HIMP) has outlined one strategic pillar that focuses on encouraging the competitive edge of bumiputra companies.

Ahmad Zahid said that this is among efforts taken to increase the involvement of bumiputra companies in the halal industry, adding that the Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC) is also carrying out several programmes with local companies.

“Bumiputra companies will have the opportunity to enter high-potential sectors through these programmes to strengthen the supply chain, adapt digital technology, and commercialise product innovation,” he added.

He was responding to a question by Datuk Adnan Abu Hassan (BN-Kuala Pilah) on the government’s plans to strengthen MSME, bumiputra companies, businesses in rural areas, and young entrepreneurs in line with the target to make Malaysia a leading player in the global export market.

Ahmad Zahid added that the food and beverage sector has become the focus of the halal sector.

“Unfortunately, only the F&B sector has become the focus. To expand to the international stage, we need to look into other aspects, such as halal vaccines and ingredients for halal products,” he said.

“For instance, the international market for cosmetics and other items requires lemongrass and herbal products.

“There have been efforts, but on a small scale,” he said.

He said the Malaysian Halal Council is also working with state governments and agencies to identify unused land to be used for the planting and production of halal products.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/19/zahid-over-50-of-halal-certs-issued-to-non-bumi-businesses