THE introduction of the Penang Halal Industry Development Council (MPIHPP) is an initiative by the Penang government to strengthen its halal capacity, maximising local production, while being globally competitive.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said this was a strategic step aligned with national policies, including the Malaysia Halal Policy and the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP 2030).
“MPIHPP plays a role in strengthening more systematic, transparent, and integrated halal governance, expanding networks of cooperation among government agencies, industry players, the community, and higher education institutions, as well as stimulating economic growth through the development of an inclusive, high-impact, and export-oriented halal sector.
“I believe that the development of the halal industry is not only important from the perspective of Shariah compliance but also offers great potential in the fields of economy and innovation.
“According to the Halal Development Corporation (HDC), the global halal market is expected to reach a value of USD 5 trillion by the year 2030.
“Therefore, Penang must not be left behind in seizing this opportunity, particularly in the food and beverage sector, halal logistics, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and innovation-based halal technology,”. Chow said in his speech during the launching ceremony of the MPIHPP at the Light Hotel in Seberang Jaya today.
In a related development, Chow said during the Special Parliamentary sitting recently, he had raised the topic where Malaysia must strengthen its role as the Asean Chair, stating that all countries in the region must stay united amidst the growing global uncertainties.
“However, Malaysia must expand the halal industry by leveraging our technological systems and skilled local workforce so that the country is not merely seen as a trading nation, but also as a technology-based economy.
“In line with the Penang2030 vision and the principles of Malaysia Madani, the Penang government will continue to support all initiatives that contribute to strengthening the state’s competitiveness at regional and international levels,” Chow added.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who graced the event earlier, emphasised that there was still room for Malaysia’s halal exports to be intensified globally, particularly in the Asean region.
“I have proposed the establishment of a halal council within the Asean region, and this September, we are set to host a halal forum that will bring together key stakeholders from across member countries to participate in this important initiative.
“In conjunction with the forum, we will launch a business-matching programme involving players from across the halal industry.
“This will be complemented by several other initiatives that span multiple sectors, not limited to just food and beverage.
“The halal industry holds immense untapped potential beyond the traditional food and beverage space.
“It is imperative that we broaden our scope and actively explore these opportunities.
“Together with the support of relevant government agencies, I am committed to ensuring that strategic steps are taken to drive growth and position this industry for long-term success,” he said in his speech.
Separately, Chow, in his speech, also said that Malaysia’s halal product export performance has shown an increase, with the total rising from RM53.72 billion in 2023 to RM61.79 billion in 2024, marking a 15% growth.
“Malaysia has also maintained its top position in the Global Islamic Economy Indicator for ten consecutive years, surpassing major countries such as Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with strengths in Islamic finance, halal food, media, and recreation.
“The state government is committed to intensifying efforts to become a leading hub for the production, processing, and export of key halal products in the country to Asean and global markets.
“I am especially proud that Penang is the only state in Malaysia qualified to audit medical device products in full compliance with the nine (9) schemes under the Malaysian Halal Certification (SPHM),” he added.
Earlier, 21 officers will were presented with letters of appointment to serve in various leadership roles within the MPIHPP.
Also, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Penang Regional Development Authority (Perda) and Penang Halal International (PHI) was inked for the development of the halal industry here.
Also present earlier were Deputy Chief Minister I Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid and Penang State Secretary Datuk Zulkifli Long.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis