Kuala Lumpur: Halal Development Corporation Bhd (HDC) is committed to helping companies in Malaysia navigate the certification process for halal products under the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), in order to enhance halal integrity and restore the reputation of affected companies. HDC’s Chief Executive Officer, Hairol Ariffein Sahari, stated that the corporation offers a range of services including training, consulting, and image recovery strategies for companies facing issues related to the halal status of their products.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Hairol Ariffein emphasized that Malaysia is sensitive to halal issues and that HDC is dedicated to assisting companies dealing with these challenges by providing solutions to help them excel in the global halal market. He shared this during a media session titled ‘The Halal Economy and Its Impact on Malaysia’. He also provided an example involving a chocolate company that faced a halal certification issue, noting that HDC was among the first to offer support, helping the company restore its image and provide clearer information to consumers.
Hairol Ariffein further mentioned that HDC is currently in discussions with another company facing concerns over the halal status of its food products. Meanwhile, HDC Chairman Khairul Azwan Harun proposed the inclusion of halal slaughtering certification courses into the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes at GiatMARA. He highlighted the job opportunities this course presents, particularly in countries expanding their halal food industry such as Japan, South Korea, and Uruguay.
In Uruguay, halal slaughtermen can earn between USD1,500 to USD2,000 per month, with benefits such as free accommodation and contracts lasting two to three years. Additionally, there are opportunities for career advancement as premium butchers. Last year, HDC sent four Malaysians to South Korea to work as halal slaughtermen in meat processing centres as part of efforts to expand the halal market, Hairol Ariffein added.