Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the formation of a Cabinet Committee in Malaysia aimed at bolstering the country's halal certification and industry competitiveness. Led by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the committee will coordinate efforts across relevant departments and agencies.

Anwar emphasized the need for elevated standards in halal certification, highlighting its importance not only in food and beverages but also in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, logistics, and more. He stressed the synergy between certification and trade promotion, urging collaboration among industry players and departments to tap into the expected $2.4 trillion global halal market by 2024. Anwar also emphasized providing opportunities for micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) in the halal industry to compete on an international scale. The newly formed Cabinet Committee, led by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, is set to drive the enhancement of Malaysia's halal certification and industry standing.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the significance of elevating halal certification standards to make Malaysia a global exemplar not only in efficiency but also in research quality and timely approvals. With the global halal industry projected to reach $2.4 trillion by 2024, Anwar tasked Ahmad Zahid and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) with focusing on certification and trade promotion to position Malaysia as a leader in this competitive market.

He underscored the need for seamless coordination between halal certification and trade promotion, urging all stakeholders to work together rather than in silos. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stressed the importance of synchronizing efforts in Malaysia's halal industry to maximize its potential. The Cabinet Committee, led by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, will oversee this coordination across relevant departments and agencies.

Anwar emphasized that halal certification's scope goes beyond food and beverages, extending to pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, logistics, and more. He urged alignment between halal certification and global industry development to ensure the sector's sustainability and broader access to global markets. Additionally, Anwar called for opportunities for micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) in the halal industry, emphasizing the need for coordination between relevant bodies to support their international competitiveness.

Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/09/12/zahid-to-lead-cabinet-committee-to-empower-halal-certification-industry