Halal Encyclopedia

Malaysia is the birthplace of international standards for halal food processing. Malaysians seized the opportunities of the times and were among the first to establish themselves. Based on a systematic academic research and industrial system, they have, within a few decades, established a solid international halal food industry. If Malaysia represents the unique characteristics of Eastern Muslim culture, then Malaysian halal food is a key attraction, attracting Muslim tourists from the Middle East, Europe, and the United States.

 

Government promotes the flourishing of Malaysia's halal industry

 

The halal industry has been one of Malaysia's key sectors in recent years. To rapidly develop the country into a hub for the production and distribution of halal products and services, the Malaysian government introduced a series of new measures in 2006, aiming to elevate the halal industry to a new level. In presenting the 2007 budget, Malaysian Prime Minister Badawi reiterated that the halal industry, as a high-value-added sector, has broad potential for growth. He believes that Malaysia has the potential to become a leader in the halal industry and play a more active role in promoting the development of the international halal industry.

 

In 2007, the Malaysian government will establish the Halal Industry Development Corporation to coordinate and lead the comprehensive development of the halal industry, with an initial fund of 25 million ringgit (US$1 equals approximately 3.67 ringgit). In addition, the government will allocate 50 million ringgit in 2008 to establish halal product industrial parks in states such as Kelantan, Pahang, and Perlis. Malaysia's Small and Medium Enterprise Bank will also provide 20 million ringgit in loans to provide financial support to entrepreneurs interested in pursuing their ambitions in this sector.

 

According to statistics, the Halal Food Exhibition held in Kuala Lumpur in May 2006 attracted 487 exhibitors from approximately 20 countries and regions, as well as 209 buyers from nearly 30 countries and regions, representing a significant expansion in scale compared to 2005. The inaugural World Halal Products Forum, held concurrently, also welcomed over 500 participants, with discussions covering various areas of halal product production, processing, storage, sales, and logistics. Following the bumper harvest in 2006, the Malaysian government announced in 2007 that both the International Halal Food Exhibition and the World Halal Products Forum would be held annually in Malaysia, creating a platform for trade and exchange among practitioners in the field and continuously promoting Malaysian halal products in the international market.

 

Ambitious Malaysian halal food expands into the world

 

There are approximately 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide, 17% of whom are located in Southeast Asia. Halal food is a key expression of the national culture of Muslims. It is a unique system based on the principles of good food, careful selection, strict hygiene, emphasis on nutrition, and a focus on health. It is a treasure trove of global culinary culture. Halal food has now gained widespread popularity and is increasingly popular for its unique style.

 

As a highly representative country in ASEAN, Malaysia has consistently played a leading role in promoting halal food globally. On December 5, 2006, Malaysian Minister of Trade and Consumer Affairs, Datuk Shafie Apdal, announced that following the unprecedented success of the 2006 Malaysia Islamic Food Fair held in Dubai, the Malaysian government would move the event to France in March or May 2007 as a stepping stone to enter the European market.

 

In 2006, Malaysia's BIZ Global Trading Group sent a delegation to Shanghai to introduce internationally standardized halal food to the Chinese market and expand sales channels into Muslim-populated areas. BIZ Group CEO Abdullah Ahmad said, "We're starting with Shanghai, a port in China, and will gradually expand into Muslim-majority areas inland through Chinese agents. Our group and its manufacturers offer a wide range of halal products, and we are confident they will be well-received by Muslims."

 

Halal products entering Malaysia must be halal certified

 

Malaysia has a vast market for halal food. Data indicates that Malaysia's beef self-sufficiency rate is only 17%. Malaysia not only imports large quantities of beef annually, but also imports live cattle for breeding and slaughter. The "Malaysia-China Halal Industry Business Opportunities Seminar" was held in Beijing on June 30, 2006. This seminar provides Chinese companies with an opportunity to learn about the halal food market in Malaysia and even in ASEAN countries.

 

Malaysia, a Muslim country and a member of the Organisation for International Cooperation (OIC), is a country with a majority Muslim population (primarily Malays). Halal food is the mainstream food in Malaysia. In supermarkets and other food outlets, non-halal foods are labeled with red labels to distinguish them from halal foods. Malaysian government departments involved in food-related matters regulate and manage halal food from their own perspectives. For example, the Malaysian Bureau of Standards has established the "General Guidelines for the Production, Preparation, Processing and Storage of Halal Food." The agency specifically responsible for halal food management in Malaysia is JAKIM, which is affiliated with the Prime Minister's Department. It has established the "General Guidelines for the Slaughter of Animals and the Preparation and Processing of Halal Food" and is responsible for halal food certification nationwide.

 

Therefore, when doing business with Malaysia, not only should product and customer positioning be high, but also Halal certification (recognized by Islamic countries) should be considered. Halal certification is a standardized qualification certification for products intended for consumption and use by Muslims. Halal, translated into Chinese as "halal," refers to food, medicine, cosmetics, and food, medicine, and cosmetic additives that conform to Muslim lifestyles and needs. Muslims cannot consume materials derived from pigs or other animals that have not been slaughtered using halal methods. Animal raw materials such as cattle, sheep, deer, elk, chickens, ducks, and game birds must also be halal, but they must be slaughtered using methods that comply with Islamic law before they can be consumed (or otherwise used). Halal products must not contain any non-halal substances during their manufacturing process; product storage must comply with halal regulations; halal biological materials must be certified by relevant Muslim organizations (such as the Islamic Association); and the Muslim food, health product, and cosmetics industries require Halal certification when using these materials.

 

Therefore, a prerequisite for successful beef and mutton export business in Malaysia is obtaining the country's halal certification. Faced with the impending trend of unified international Islamic food certification, all industry players should not only focus on their own production but also pay close attention to changes in the international community. Maintaining a clear understanding of both ourselves and the enemy is crucial for success in this increasingly internationalized environment.