Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has advised Malaysia’s halal industry players to exercise caution in sharing knowledge, strategies, and marketing tactics with foreign countries. This measure aims to ensure Malaysia maintains its status as the world’s leading halal product certification and production leader.
Ahmad Zahid, who chairs the Halal Industry Development Council, warned that excessive information sharing could lead to other nations imitating Malaysia’s successful approaches, potentially undermining the country’s leadership position established since 1974. He reflected on Malaysia’s past dominance in producing and exporting rubber and palm commodities, as well as its leadership in Islamic banking, noting the risks of falling behind due to overly generous knowledge sharing.
At the 2024 Halal Ecosystem Transformation Workshop held this morning, he stated, “If we are too kind to share everything… in the end we are left behind.” The workshop, attended by approximately 100 participants, was organised by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), the Halal Development Corporation (HDC), the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), and the Bumiputera Economic Congress secretariat. Notable attendees included Minister at the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar and MARA chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.
In his address, Ahmad Zahid emphasised the necessity of enhanced coordination among various agencies, departments, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to sustain Malaysia’s leadership not only in halal certification but also in the production of halal products and Islamic banking services. “Our intentions and goals are good, but how can the coordination be done so that our stakeholders are not confused?” he questioned, urging unity in action towards a common goal.
He underscored the significance of Malaysia’s halal certification, which is recognised by both Muslim and non-Muslim countries globally. He also highlighted the burgeoning global halal economy, expected to grow from US$3 trillion (RM12.6 trillion) this year to US$5 trillion (RM21 trillion) by 2030, calling on halal industry players to leverage these market opportunities. Despite the contribution of 8.1 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from halal product exports, he acknowledged that Malaysia’s current export value of RM53.7 billion remains relatively low.
Ahmad Zahid noted that even after nearly 50 years in the halal sector, Malaysia lacks a robust halal policy. He advocated for the establishment of a halal research and innovation centre, despite JAKIM’s preliminary efforts in this area. “We should take advantage of their expertise after they retire,” he suggested, proposing that the new centre involve both retired and new experts to foster innovation in halal products and services.
Finally, he announced that starting next year, September will be designated as the annual Halal Product Month, marking a significant step in promoting Malaysia’s halal industry.
Source: Bernama
