Kuala lumpur: Halal certification in the food and beverage (F and B) sector adds significant value to businesses as Malaysia continues to attract growing numbers of foreign tourists, said Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali. He emphasized that halal certification extends beyond religious requirements, representing evaluations of cleanliness, food safety, and overall quality standards.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Armizan encouraged industry players, particularly those in the F and B sector, to pursue halal certification, especially for kopitiam outlets, which are popular among Malaysians of all races. Speaking at the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) Recognition Ceremony and the launch of the National Month Promotion Menu at the Ali, Muthu and Ah Hock Kopitiam branch, Armizan highlighted the government's plan under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to establish a Halal Commission to strengthen the country's halal industry.

He noted that to expedite the halal certification process, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), in collaboration with the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), is working to reduce bureaucratic red tape as part of the government's efforts to enhance the 'ease of doing business' in the country.

As the lead ministry for the Buy Malaysia Campaign (KBBM), Armizan urged local industry players, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), to adopt effective strategies to highlight the strengths and uniqueness of their products. He underscored the importance of local industry in showcasing distinctive brands and products to attract foreign tourists, particularly in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.

Armizan also pointed out that, as per the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) report released by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) yesterday, the distributive trade sector remains a key contributor to the services sector, recording steady growth in the second quarter of this year. The sector, including wholesale and retail services as well as the F and B sub-sectors, recorded growth of 5.1 percent in the second quarter of 2025, compared to five percent in the first quarter. He expressed optimism that this positive momentum will continue, contributing to a stronger and more resilient economy.