KOTA KINABALU, Aug 1 (Bernama) -- 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 said a comprehensive understanding of the halal concept would provide significant commercial value to local products and services, particularly in overseas markets.
He said 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.
"I therefore urge companies, especially local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), to seize the opportunities available in the halal industry," he told reporters after closing the Jelajah Halal Malaysia Sabah 2026 programme here today.
Also present were Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC) chairman Prof Dr Mohd Afandi Salleh and HDC assistant general manager Mohammad Romzi Sulaiman.
More than 500 participants comprising MSME entrepreneurs, industry players, government agencies, financial institutions, education sector representatives and members of the public took part in the two-day programme organised by the HDC.
Ewon said Sabah has a strategic advantage in tapping the Muslim-friendly tourism market due to the appeal of its major islands such as Semporna, Mabul and Sipadan, which are 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.
"A comprehensive Muslim-friendly ecosystem at hotels and holiday destinations can attract more tourists and enhance the competitiveness of the local tourism industry," he said.
On the programme, Ewon said the state government appreciates the collaboration between HDC, the state government, various agencies and strategic partners in organising the event, which he described as an initiative capable of empowering local entrepreneurs in the halal industry.
He said continuous initiatives such as the tour programme would help more Sabah entrepreneurs produce products and services that meet domestic and international halal standards.
"I also hope halal industry entrepreneurs in Sabah will take part in international expos through the guidance provided by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and the Department of Industrial Development and Research (DIDR)," he added.
-- BERNAMA