Kuala lumpur: A halal commission will be established, a sole entity responsible for halal governance and development, coordinating and facilitating industry needs while promoting investment.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) document released by the Ministry of Economy today states that the commission will also serve as a reference and standards hub for the global halal industry. The document highlights the commission as part of efforts to transform the country's halal ecosystem, thereby boosting productivity and the halal industry's contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and exports, ensuring Malaysia maintains its position as a global halal leader.
Additionally, the market expansion programme for halal products and services to the international level will be strengthened to support the scaling up of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the halal industry. The role of halal industrial parks will be reinforced to facilitate the development of a high-value halal industry, as outlined in the document.
The 13MP, tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the Dewan Rakyat today, is rooted in three pillars: the development of a sovereign and dignified nation-state, a social system grounded on Insan MADANI, and the transition towards an artificial-intelligence economy. This five-year national development plan aims at shaping an inclusive and progressive society, supporting Malaysia to be a digital technology leader in the region, and creating innovation as well as globally competitive 'Made by Malaysia' products and services.
During the plan's tabling, Anwar emphasized the government's aim to increase Malaysia's halal export value to RM80 billion and to raise the industry's contribution to the GDP to 11 per cent. The document specifies that legislation will be drafted to harmonize halal guidelines, regulations, and procedures at the federal and state levels, complementing the establishment of the halal commission.
The focus will be on matters related to certification, auditing, promotion, and enforcement of the halal logo. The legislation is deemed crucial to resolve various issues that impede halal industry development and to coordinate the roles and functions of the 198 relevant agencies, as further detailed in the document.
In 2024, the halal industry contributed 7.7 per cent to the GDP, totaling RM149 billion, compared to 7.6 per cent in 2021. Meanwhile, the value of halal exports reached RM61.8 billion, up from RM36.6 billion during the same period.