adminMELAKA, June 13 (Bernama) — The Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC) aims to assist 200 companies, particularly Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide, in obtaining the Malaysian Halal Certification (SPHM) this year through the Jelajah Halal Malaysia roadshow.
HDC Interim Chief Executive Officer Hanisofian Alias said Melaka is the first state to host the roadshow this year, and the initiative will be expanded to several other states, namely Kedah, Sabah, and Terengganu.
He said that through the tour, participants will be exposed to the Halal Compliance Capability Acceleration Intervention Program (PIMKPH) and will have the opportunity to receive direct advisory services from Halal Guidance Officers (PPH).
“The Jelajah Halal Malaysia is one of HDC’s main initiatives in efforts to engage directly with the entrepreneur community. The tour is organised in collaboration with the Melaka state government for two days starting today.
“This approach is crucial to ensure that entrepreneurs not only understand the requirements of halal certification but are also able to implement them more efficiently and effectively to strengthen their business foundations, enabling them to expand to a higher level,” he told Bernama at the Malim Food Town here today.
He said this after the Jelajah Halal Malaysia@Melaka Entrepreneurs Carnival, held in conjunction with the Kesidang State Legislative Assembly (DUN) “Wakil Rakyat Untuk Rakyat” Programme, which was officiated by the State Executive Councillor (Exco) for Entrepreneur Development, Cooperatives, and Consumer Affairs, Allex Seah Shoo Chin.
Hanisofian said that to date, HDC has approximately 40 Halal Guidance Officers (PPH) nationwide to assist and guide companies or entrepreneurs in securing the SPHM.
“The country’s halal export market this year is high, reaching a target of RM68 billion. However, studies show that 90 percent of that export market is monopolised by large corporations, while small companies account for less than 10 percent.
“There are still many MSME entrepreneurs in our country who have not obtained the SPHM. Among the identified causes is their perception that getting the certification is difficult, alongside facing various issues, such as failing to meet the conditions set by local authorities,” he said.
Therefore, he added, through the tour, entrepreneurs will be provided with advisory services regarding halal certificate application procedures, as well as technical support, including direct document reviews.
He noted that furthermore, entrepreneurs will also have the opportunity to obtain information regarding financial assistance for their businesses from various financial agencies participating in the tour.
In the meantime, Hanisofian said Melaka holds immense potential in the development of the halal industry. To date, approximately 1,000 companies in the state hold the SPHM, spanning the food and beverage, logistics, and services sectors.
He said Melaka is also among the states active in developing halal hubs, including through the expansion of the Melaka Halal Hub 2.0. This development demonstrates that the halal industry serves not only as a driver of the state’s economy but also as an important platform for expanding local products to the global market.
Meanwhile, HDC Halal Guidance Officer (PPH) Sharifah Rozi Md Ali said that while the requirements to obtain the SPHM are stringent, entrepreneurs will be guided to understand the procedures, processes, and document preparation needed to secure the certification.
“Halal encompasses various aspects and requirements that must be adhered to, starting from the source of raw materials, the equipment used, product names, product manufacturing processes, and especially the condition of the premises, including cleanliness. This also extends to their responsibility over the certification obtained and the halal logo used.
“But entrepreneurs out there who wish to obtain the SPHM do not need to be afraid or worried, as they will be guided by Halal Guidance Officers from the very beginning to the end of the process required to secure the certificate,” she said.
She added that products with SPHM certification possess vast potential, not just for the domestic market but also internationally, as it instills confidence in consumers.
— BERNAMA
