themalaysianreserve.com

Malaysia's exports of halal ingredients is expected to boost its global market with an anticipated 10% increase this year compared to last year, as the country has already established itself as a leading exporter for the segment last year.

In 2011, Malaysia's exports experienced a larger growth that saw it overtaking halal food and beverage segment exports. Halal ingredients exports stood at RM12.31 billion compared to RM11.92 billion for halal food and beverage segment in 2011.

“Halal ingredients are the biggest export for Malaysia and by emphasising greater focus on this segment, it will make Malaysia the leading exporter for halal ingredients not only regionally but globally,” Halal Industry Development Corp (HDC) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Jamil Bidin said.

He said this at the briefing session on Malaysia Halal System organised by The Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Jamil pointed out that halal ingredients are present not only in the food and beverage segment but also in the finishing products on other segments such as palm oil, cosmetics/ personal care, industrial chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

“Overall, the halal ingredients subsectors are also expected to increase 6% in exports for this year,” he added.

Under the halal ingredients subsectors, value for palm oil derivatives stood at RM7 billion last year, while halal industrial chemicals, cosmetics/personal care and pharmaceuticals stood at RM2 billion, RM1.81 billion and RM286 million respectively in the same year.

On halal certification, MITI minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said the briefing session has been organised to help clarify various issues concerning the implementation of halal certification system in Malaysia.

“As one of the pioneers in halal certification, Malaysia adheres to strict compliance with Shariah requirements to ensure the integrity of halal products and services," he said.

Details about Malaysia Halal Standards are easily accessible at Standards Malaysia website and the Global Halal Reference Centre has also been established at HDC’s website and for those seeking information about halal certification can also obtain details at Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia's website.