Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in a special interview with Bernama in conjunction with the Bumiputera Economic Congress 2024 recently. — Bernama picKUALA LUMPUR, March 18 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged Bumiputera entrepreneurs to expand their reach in the global halal export market, moving beyond the food and beverage sector into segments like ingredients, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Malaysia Halal Council chairman, said that Bumiputera entrepreneurs should be aware of the vastness of the global halal market, which sees demand stemming from both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers who place importance on cleanliness.“Therefore, we should continue to encourage Bumiputera entrepreneurs to not only sell their products domestically but also to explore international markets,” he said.
“As for halal ingredient producers, 87 per cent are currently controlled by non-Bumiputera entrepreneurs...so I urge all producers of halal Bumiputera products to be more aware of this. Do not treat the products we make as mere part-time ventures. In a presentation during the Bumiputera Economic Congress 2024 on Feb 29, Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd managing director Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin suggested that a tier system and ‘green lane’ be established for Bumiputera entrepreneurs to obtain halal certification.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said the Rural and Regional Development Ministry has divided halal certification applications into four categories, namely High Critical, Critical, Semi-Critical, and Green Lane. “For Semi-Critical applications, the maximum review period would be five days, while for Green Lane category applications, it would be three working days,” he said.