PENANG is strengthening its support for product-based entrepreneurs with the establishment of a second Dapur Sentral in the Southwest District, aimed at helping businesses secure halal certification and expand into wider markets.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the facility was the second of its kind in the state after the first at Times Square, in Datuk Keramat, followed by the new centre in Permatang Damar Laut.
“This initiative is aimed at developing entrepreneurs who produce goods, especially food products, by guiding them through the halal certification process,” he told Buletin Mutiara.
Chow explained that while all participants are already producing products that comply with halal requirements from a religious standpoint, the main objective of the programme is to help them obtain formal certification.
Chow speaking to Buletin Mutiara after the visit.
“The purpose of this centre is to equip entrepreneurs with the necessary knowledge and processes to ensure their products can be officially certified halal,” he said, adding that participants are required to undergo training for between 15 and 18 months.
He said the programme goes beyond product preparation, particularly in ensuring compliance with halal standards, by also providing participants with essential business skills.
“They are trained in financial management, accounting, marketing and promotion so that the knowledge gained here can help sustain and grow their businesses, even before they obtain certification,” he added.
Chow noted that obtaining halal certification would open up wider market opportunities for entrepreneurs, including entry into supermarkets and potential export markets.
“Without certification, they would not have the opportunity to become suppliers to supermarkets, restaurants or hotels, as these sectors require certified products,” he said.
Chow added that the programme aims to raise awareness and encourage more entrepreneurs to embrace halal certification in order to unlock greater business opportunities.
He also expressed appreciation to all parties involved in supporting local entrepreneurs through the certification initiative.
Meanwhile, Tan Sri Khalid Ramli, who is the Penang Bumiputera Development Council chairman, said the council fully supports the efforts being implemented and is actively involved as a partner agency.
“This initiative marks a significant step forward, as it goes beyond merely addressing improvements in food standards, reflecting a broader and more impactful advancement in the sector,” he said.
Fauzan Ismail, who is the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) state director for Penang and Perak, said the initiative will not only expand and enhance participants’ products,but also focus on strengthening their individual capabilities through structured training in business development.
He explained that the broader aim is to reinforce Penang’s halal ecosystem through the establishment of central kitchens, noting that facilities are already operating in the Northeast and Southwest districts.
“With continued support from the state government, plans are underway to develop another central kitchen in Central Seberang Perai, which is expected to serve all three districts in Seberang Perai and potentially be larger in scale,” he said.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat