PENANG is exploring the field of cellular agriculture as part of its efforts to advance food technology and innovation. The state is also working towards establishing comprehensive guidelines and achieving halal certification for future developments in the sector.
State Agrotechnology, Food Security, and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol highlighted this initiative during his visit to the Bio Manufacturing Conference 2025, held at Cell AgriTech Sdn Bhd’s meat production (lab-grown) facility in Seberang Jaya.
Fahmi shared that cellular agriculture is still a relatively new technology in Malaysia, and the industry is not ready in terms of guidelines.
At the same time, he emphasised the importance of taking early steps to build a strong foundation for future growth, affirming that Penang is ready to move forward in this field.
“For Penang, I will help involve the Penang State Mufti Department in discussions on halal certification and advice.
“However, at the national level, the Federal government will need to engage the Malaysia Islamic Development Department (JAKIM),” he said during a press conference held after his address on behalf of Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Fahmi noted that once key requirements such as halal certification and food security are addressed and approval is granted by the federal government, setting up a local factory would be possible.
Penang-based Cell AgriTech Sdn Bhd operates the first lab-grown meat production facility of its kind in Malaysia, with its manufacturing plant currently being established in Singapore. At present, the company is producing unagi (eel) meat in the lab.
Meanwhile, Cell AgriTech manufacturing vice-president, Jason Ng, said that the company is committed to producing cultured meat without compromising on food safety, consistency, or halal compliance.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud