Today , the Malaysian halal brand is widely recognised and accepted throughout the world . Thus , Malaysia is well-positioned to become the gateway for halal products from ASEAN countries to enter the international market .
Today , the Malaysian halal brand is widely recognised and accepted throughout the world . Thus , Malaysia is well-positioned to become the gateway for halal products from ASEAN countries to enter the international market .
Malaysia stands tall as both a global leader of halal industry and standards .
Its journey towards becoming the leader in the world ’ s halal industry began in 1974 when the Research Centre at the Islamic Affairs Division in the Prime Minister ’ s Office started to issue halal certification letters for products which met the halal criteria .
In the year 2000 , the journey reached yet another significant milestone as Malaysia became the first country to have a documented and systematic halal assurance system following the release of its halal standards . This can be described as a revolution which has lifted halal standards from that of a traditional cottage industry to a vibrant new economy .
Malaysia ’ s relentless efforts in developing this industry continued in 2008 as the country embarked on the Halal Industry Development
Master Plan ( HIMP ) 2008-2020 which aims to drive halal as a new source of economic growth . This is in line with the Government ’ s efforts to diversify economic activities against the backdrop of the-then Global Finance Crisis ( 2008-2009 ).
The 13-year master plan has been divided into three implementation phases . The first phase implemented in 2008-2010 was meant to establish Malaysia as a global leader in halal integrity through improved certification process and the establishment of a Global Halal Support Centre . The second phase in 2011-2015 focused on establishing Malaysia as the preferred location for halal-related businesses through the development of a global knowledge base and global brand recognition .
Malaysia is now in the third and final phase of completing the Master
Plan . Having established a firm footing with regard to halal integrity and as the preferred place to do business , the priority is to expand the footprint of Malaysian companies into the international market .
Very broadly , the halal industry in Malaysia today covers food and non -food products , including pharmaceuticals , health products , medical devices , cosmetics and toiletries . Meanwhile , services within the industry include logistics , packaging , branding & marketing , printed & electronic media , banking , insurance and travel & tourism .
LUCRATIVE VALUE
The global halal economy is now valued at an estimated RM8.4 trillion ( approximately US $ 2.16 trillion ). The halal food sector alone accounts for almost RM2.5 trillion ( approximately US $ 642 billion ) of that total .
ISSUE 2 : 2016 | ASEAN COMMUNITY OF ENTREPRENEURS
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