RM43.4b halal products exported in 2017

MNCs continue to dominate the market, says HDC CEO

By AFIQ AZIZ / Pic By ISMAIL CHE RUS

The Malaysian halal industry’s export raised RM1.2 billion last year when it hit RM43.4 billion compared to 2016.

Small and medium industries generated RM3.8 billion, while small enterprises contributed RM1.5 billion.

Halal Industry Development Corp Sdn Bhd (HDC) CEO Datuk Seri Jamil Bidin said multinational companies (MNCs) continue to dominate the market with RM38 billion worth of export recorded.

“The food and beverage industry made up the largest export value at RM20.1 billion, followed by halal ingredients at RM15.7 billion, palm oil derivatives at RM3.6 billion, and cosmetics and personal care products at RM2.9 billion,” he told the press at the soft launch of World Halal Week 2018 last Thursday.

Jamil said last year the Malaysian importer was taken over by Singapore for the first time, with RM4.9 worth of trading.

He added that China has been leading the market with an average of RM4 billion transactions in the previous year.

Last year, the country recorded about RM4.8 billion in transactions, followed by Japan (RM2.8 billion), the US (RM2.7 billion), Indonesia (RM2.2 billion), the Netherlands (RM2 billion), Thailand (RM1.7 billion), Australia (RM1.5 billion), India (RM1.4 billion) and South Korea with RM1.3 billion.

“There is a rapidly growing interest in halal products and the halal industry in general, as countries begin to realise the potential of the industry and just how much it can contribute to their respective economies.

“It is also ironic that with a global Muslim population of more than 1.8 billion, much of the interest in developing halal products and industry seems to come from non-Muslim countries, with the exception of Malaysia, whereas the majority of Muslim countries appear to be the biggest consumer and not producer of halal products,” he said.

Meanwhile, Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade) CEO Dr Mohd Shahreen Zainoreen Madros — who was also present — said the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas) 2018 slated next month aims to increase the trading value between 5% and 7%.

The event drew more than 22,000 trade visitors along with 576 companies from 33 countries and recorded more than RM1 billion in transactions last year.

“This year, we target to increase between 10% and 15% of visitors, as well as 800 companies to participate with more than 1,000 exhibition booths penetration,” he said.

The World Halal Week 2018, organised by HDC in collaboration with Matrade and Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) which runs from March 26 to April 3, will feature three major components; the World Halal Conference, Mihas and the Malaysia International Halal Assembly (MyHA).

Jamil said the conference will bring more than 1,000 delegates from 50 countries to address and discuss various topics such as the economic revolution 4.0, global economy trends and their implications to Malaysia’s halal industry, and the digital economy.

Jakim halal hub division director Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee said MyHA is anticipating to attract more than 900 participants from at least 42 countries.

The conference will include a Halal Professional Board Course, International Halal Capacity Programme, Halal Certification Bodies Convention, along with the International Halal Authority Board General Assembly.