@Halal March/April 2022 | Page 4

Selangor ’ s halal diversity Selangor Government sees endless opportunities for halal players in the global market
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Industry

@ Halal | March-April . 2022

Selangor ’ s halal diversity Selangor Government sees endless opportunities for halal players in the global market

BY FATIHAH MANAF

GOLDEN STATE , golden opportunities . This phrase perfectly describes the State of Selangor , which offers investors enormous investment opportunities .

Positioning itself as Malaysia ’ s most developed State , the Selangor Government is determined to strengthen its halal industry by introducing its new portfolio in September 2020 . It believes the halal industry will help rejuvenate the State ’ s economy post-pandemic .
As one of the initiatives to introduce and promote various halal products in the State , Selangor through the Islamic Religious Affairs , Consumer Affairs and Halal Industry Committee , organised the Selangor Halal Industry Media Documentary and Promotion Familiarisation Trip or Halal @ Selangor . The programme was coordinated by the Selangor State Economic Planning Unit and Selangor State Media Organisation .
Chairman of Selangor State Executive Council ( EXCO ) for Islamic Religious Affairs , Consumer Affairs , and Halal Industry Committee , Mohd Zawawi Ahmad Mughni , said
the programme aimed to promote Selangor ’ s halal industry to the media and public .
He believed such promotion was essential to gain local support in the halal industry development and give a better understanding of halal products to the people .
“ Previously , we might only understand that halal applies to food and beverages . While , in a more extensive scope , the halal industry also consists of the pharmaceutical industry involving the production of medicines consumed by Muslims at large ,” said Mohd Zawawi , before explaining about Islamic financial instruments such as Ar-Rahnu and Takaful .
“ Today , cosmetics are also among the contributors to the economy . It is because many people can afford to buy personal care and healthcare products these days .
“ Other related industries include the hotel industry and restaurants , which are now growing at an exponential rate .”
He shared that Ar-Rahnu , an Islamic pawnbroking scheme , received encouraging responses from the consumers , with banks opening up more counters to provide such services . Additionally , Takaful products were also available as alternatives to conventional insurance , providing consumers with Shariah- based protection schemes . Trillion-ringgit halal market
According to Zawawi , the halal industry has grown and possessed a transaction value of more than a trillion ringgit . With such growth , Malaysia will be among the leading players in the industry .
“ Selangor is the first State that introduced the halal industry portfolio . It aims to tidy up and connect the industrial sector and halal certification unit . As for the halal certification , the certificate is controlled and managed by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department ( JAIS ) and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia ( JAKIM ).”
He said these two Islamic authorities were responsible for monitoring , auditing and handling halal certificate registration . As for the industrial part , the State , through Halal International Selangor ( Aspire Flagship Sdn Bhd ), would focus on bringing and promoting Selangor ’ s halal industry to the international level .
“ The objective is to attract more investors at the international level to expand the

Exploring halal products in Selangor

Normaiza Yahya ( right ), the acting CEO of Yayasan Hijrah Selangor .
HAVING A VERY strategic location , Selangor is home to many of Malaysia ’ s exciting products and services . From being the industrial and manufacturing hub to becoming the country ’ s modest fashion centre , the State ’ s decision to expand its halal industry to the global market will propel its economy further .
On Dec 15-18 , the Selangor Government , through the Islamic Religious Affairs , Consumer Affairs and Halal Industry Committee , organised the Selangor Halal Industry Media Documentary and Promotion Familiarisation to promote Selangor ’ s halal industry .
During the programme , media delegates were brought to visit and experience the various halal products in Selangor , including segments such as food and beverages ( F & B ), modest fashion , healthcare , cosmetics and financial instruments .
Food and beverages
It is no secret that one of Selangor ’ s core clusters is the food and beverages ( F & B ) manufacturing segment . Aside from big companies , SMEs are among F & B players that help establish Selangor ’ s halal industry . With the high demand for halal food and beverages , this segment has enormous potential in the global halal market .
During the familiarisation trip , media delegates had the opportunity to visit Baker ’ s Cottage in Seksyen 18 , Shah Alam and Homst , Setia Alam .
According to the halal manager of Leong Hup Agrobusiness Sdn Bhd ( Baker ’ s Cottage ’ s company ), Mohd Khairul Shirazi , the quick-service
Mohd Khairul Shirazi ( left ), the halal manager of Leong Hup Agrobusiness Sdn Bhd ( a Baker ' s Cottage ’ s company ).
Baker ’ s Cottage is halal-certified by JAKIM .
Baker ’ s Cottage .
Prayer wear collection at Siti Khadijah , Bangi .
restaurant chain had been halalcertified by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia ( JAKIM ) for 15 years , since 2006 .
“ We are committed to producing halal products which are clean and safe for our customers ,” said Mohd Khairul , adding that Baker ’ s Cottage also had halal mooncakes on its menu .
As for Homst , it is a Chinese Muslim restaurant that has established eight outlets across Klang Valley . The brand is famous for its halal authentic Chinese cuisines .
Modest fashion
As Selangor is known as a fashion hub , entrepreneurs set up their main boutique in the State . Bangi Sentral is one of the famous locations that houses various modest fashion brands , including Siti Khadijah .
Siti Khadijah is very popular with its high-quality prayer veils . While the prayer veil remains its focus product ,