Industry News

Jakim has achieved another milestone in the global halal industry by becoming the first certification body in the world to certify regulated/prescription medicines. The Halal certificate for over-the-counter medicines was presented to Chemical Corporation of Malaysia Berhad (CMC) at a special ceremony at Pullman Putrajaya.

The Halal pharmaceutical standard, MS2424:2012, was developed by the Malaysian Ministry of Standards, Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), in collaboration with JAKIM's Halal Center, industry representatives from the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA), and experts from the legal and scientific communities. Prior to the development of this Halal pharmaceutical standard, the Halal food standard, MS1900, served as a fallback guide for pharmaceutical manufacturers. This was not ideal, as Halal food standards were ill-suited to the complex, highly regulated, and technologically advanced pharmaceutical industry. Prior to the release of MS2424, through numerous discussions, workshops, and one-on-one interactions with industry leaders and experts, JAKIM's Halal Center successfully developed a certification system based on this standard that can be used not only by pharmaceutical companies in Malaysia and around the world, but also by recognized Halal certification bodies worldwide.

The certificate was presented to CCM by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Dato' Seri Jamil Khir bin Hj Baharom (B). This certification marks a new era for the entry of Halal medicines into the local and international markets, as a wider range of Halal pharmaceutical products manufactured by CCM have been officially certified by JAKIM and will now be available to consumers, giving them a more informed choice of pharmaceutical products.

The event also witnessed another significant achievement for JAKIM when its Halal Centre Department granted recognition to nine organizations from Japan, Kazakhstan, Maldives and Spain as certification bodies abroad. This clearly reflects JAKIM’s renowned position in the global Halal certification landscape.

Due to Malaysia’s high standards and strict adherence to halal principles, Malaysian certifications and logos are accepted and recognized globally. The global halal pharmaceutical landscape is currently valued at US$7.5 billion and is estimated to reach US$13.2 billion by 2021. Malaysia is poised to increase its presence and leadership in this industry, a new milestone achieved by JAKIM.

Commending JAKIM and CCM for their historic advancement in halal medicines, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Dato Seri Jamil Khir, said, “This landmark certification by CCM will provide a greater impetus to the pharmaceutical industry both domestically and globally. We hope this will lead to widespread participation from pharmaceutical manufacturers worldwide and mutually recognized halal certification bodies to ensure that prescribed medicines, vitamins and health supplements comply with halal regulations, thereby providing Muslims and non-Muslims with better choices. Halal-certified products are not only permitted for Muslims but also offer the advantages of safety, efficacy, quality and hygiene.”

Halal standards should be key to healthcare and pharmaceuticals. In other words, there should be a convergence of Islamic law and science – and Malaysia can and should be driving it, considering the country implemented the world’s first halal pharmaceutical standard, MS2424, in 2012.

The minister added: "We hope that global businesses will consider the country as a new regional hub to cater to the expanding global halal market. Muslims need to be more knowledgeable in the medical field and make informed decisions, as they must avoid non-halal and questionable ingredients if given the choice. "Don't fall back on ignorance as an excuse for not practicing the tenets of Islam."

Currently, halal pharmaceuticals are estimated to account for one-third of the total revenue in the global halal market, which presents an attractive opportunity for pharmaceuticals that comply with halal regulations. The fact that demand for halal pharmaceuticals exceeds supply significantly increases the potential for future economic growth in the sector.

For a long time, halal pharmaceuticals were outside the realm of certification and regulatory compliance. MS 2424:2012 serves as a reference model for the pharmaceutical industry. Malaysia is one of the most promising markets in the global halal pharmaceutical sector, both in terms of production and consumption, and, most importantly, in thought leadership in this highly specialized field. Standardization of the halal pharmaceutical market will increase consumer confidence worldwide.

In response to JAKIM's recognition of CCM's efforts and commitment to Halal, CCM's Chairman, Dato Hajah Normala Binti Abdul Samad, said: "It is for this reason that we celebrate this recognition, as CCM is playing a vital role in advancing the level of Halal pharmaceuticals in Malaysia and globally. The pharmaceutical industry is a vital component of Malaysia's healthcare sector, with high growth potential in both the domestic and export markets. This sector has long been identified by the government as a strategic sector that needs to be developed."

Dato Hajah Normala also added that CCM hopes that halal pharmaceutical companies can also pave the way for creating opportunities for locals in the pharmaceutical ecosystem. CCM supports the government’s call to strengthen local competitiveness in this niche industry, especially “thought leadership” to inspire the command of Malaysian Muslim scholars, scientists and subject matter experts, promote the integration of mind and science to strengthen the influence of halal pharmaceuticals locally and internationally, and contribute to the knowledge economy.

In halal, non-halal medicines are only permitted when there are no other alternatives, as the primary purpose of halal law is to protect life and health. However, Muslims worldwide are becoming increasingly informed and discerning in their choices, seeking and demanding pharmaceutical products that contain only halal ingredients.

In awarding the certification to CCM, JAKIM urged more pharmaceutical companies to emulate CCM's efforts and make halal a part of their daily operations at every level, from management to operations. JAKIM also commended CCM for its Halal Assurance Management System, which demonstrates CCM's commitment and assurance to educate the public that halal-certified products not only benefit Muslims by confirming their permissibility, but also benefit everyone as it also proves that the products are safe, effective, high-quality, and hygienic.

JAKIM also reiterated that halal should be “built-in rather than test-based” and that all MalaysiansHalalCertificate holders should commit to always adhere to the highestHalalstandards, not just for the purpose of evaluating or renewing certificates.HalalThe center isHalalSupervision and audit will be carried out throughout the validity period of the certificate, but the usual guarantee comes from within, just like CCM.