Kota kinabalu: Halal certification should not be viewed solely as a religious requirement but also as a benchmark for quality and cleanliness that can open up opportunities for products to reach wider markets, said Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick. The Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship, and Transport emphasized that a comprehensive understanding of the halal concept would provide significant commercial value to local products and services, particularly in overseas markets.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, consumer markets in non-Muslim countries such as South Korea, Japan, and China have also shown strong confidence in Malaysia's halal-certified products due to stringent processing standards and hygiene controls. "Based on data from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), about 9,000 companies nationwide have obtained halal certification, with around 420 of them in Sabah," Ewon said, urging companies, especially local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), to seize the opportunities available in the halal industry. He made these remarks after closing the Jelajah Halal Malaysia Sabah 2026 programme.
The event saw participation from more than 500 individuals, including MSME entrepreneurs, industry players, government agencies, financial institutions, education sector representatives, and members of the public. It was organized by the Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC) and had significant attendance, including HDC chairman Prof Dr. Mohd Afandi Salleh and HDC assistant general manager Mohammad Romzi Sulaiman.
Ewon highlighted Sabah's strategic advantage in tapping into the Muslim-friendly tourism market, particularly with its major islands such as Semporna, Mabul, and Sipadan, located within the East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) corridor. "Halal now goes beyond food as it encompasses lifestyle, quality, and hygiene assurance that provide confidence to both local and international consumers," he added, suggesting that a comprehensive Muslim-friendly ecosystem at hotels and holiday destinations could attract more tourists and enhance the competitiveness of the local tourism industry.
Regarding the programme, Ewon expressed the state government's appreciation for the collaboration between HDC, the state government, various agencies, and strategic partners. He described the event as an initiative capable of empowering local entrepreneurs in the halal industry. Continuous initiatives like the tour programme are expected to help more Sabah entrepreneurs produce products and services that meet domestic and international halal standards.
Ewon also expressed hope that halal industry entrepreneurs in Sabah would participate in international expos with the guidance provided by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and the Department of Industrial Development and Research (DIDR).