January-February . 2021 | @ Halal
Event
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Covid-19 vaccine need not be halal
Priority remains at combatting this pandemic together
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BY CAMILIA REZALI
The day Science , Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin proclaimed the Covid-19 vaccines would be available in the first quarter of 2021 , a comforting relief was felt as we were reaching closer to eradicating the lethal pandemic .
At first , people questioned whether the world will come out with a vaccine . Soon after the vaccine race started , Muslims started wondering whether the vaccines would be halal .
But as we all know , vaccination has long been a complex socio-religious controversy . The demand for the halal vaccine seems unnecessary for non-Muslims as the focus is safety and efficacy . And as for halal vaccine projects , Malaysia has been on this since 2014 . Therefore , a quest for a halal vaccine is nothing new for Malaysia .
On Dec 7 , 2020 , 5 Pillars reported scholars from some of the most influential Islamic seminaries in the UK have said that the new Pfizer BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine is halal because the UK government has confirmed that it does not contain any components of
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animal origin .
Initially , the rising concern to the ingredient of the vaccine was cholesterol , the report stated – an element which could be sourced from animal fat . However , it is usually sourced from the chicken eggs .
So , if the vaccine is confirmed halal in the UK , does it apply to Malaysia too ? @ Halal spoke with the Head of Halal Consultancy of Halal Development Corporation ( HDC ), Dhaliff Anuar .
“ It is good to know the vaccine for Covid- 19 , Pfizer and BioNtech , as you stated is being considered halal by parties in UK . However , it is not an indication to justify the assurance whether the vaccine is halal or not ,” said Dhaliff .
“ The vaccine might be halal to consumers depending on their knowledge of halal ingredients and technical aspects of vaccine production . There is no assurance from competent halal authorities to clarify the vaccine is halal .”
He suggested the concern should be on society not to further complicate the efforts to beat this pandemic .
Dhaliff said : “ The vaccine matter is above
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Dhaliff Anuar |
halal . It goes back to the permissibility in Islam - to cure the diseases .”
“ The repercussion of Covid-19 has impacted the livelihood of people across the globe . But , marking the Covid-19 vaccine as ‘ halal ’ should not be a primary concern as the priority remains at combatting this pandemic together .”
Despite the concern , HDC is always ready to support any effort and initiative on halal vaccines .
At the moment , HDC is coming up with a national halal pharmaceutical roadmap to chart the growth of this particular sector . The organisation has also started to deploy halal training modules for professionals in the pharmaceutical industry .
“ Having a single pilot case of halal-certified vaccine is not sufficient . There are several other components such as national policies , infrastructure , resources and incentives required to support the industry sector .
“ Hence , we look forward to having a sustainable halal pharmaceutical sector ,” he concluded .
Innovation
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Innovation and sustainable growth
17th MIHAS to spur two-prong push for global halal economy
The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation ( MATRADE ) has announced the return of the 17th Malaysia International Halal Showcase ( MIHAS ), on Sept 9-12 , 2021 , at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre ( MITEC ), Kuala Lumpur .
Organised by MATRADE under the patronage of Ministry of International Trade and Industry of Malaysia , MIHAS is the largest halal trade event of its kind in the world .
MATRADE ’ s Chief Executive Officer , Datuk Wan Latiff Wan Musa , highlighted that Malaysia had long established a leading position as a global halal player .
“ We also see opportunities driven by accelerated digitisation and changing consumer behaviours in the new normal and new world economy ,” said Wan Latiff .
“ The 17th MIHAS will place special emphasis on the agenda of helping local and international players look to innovation and sustainable initiatives to spearhead steady growth for the halal economy .”
Aptly themed , “ Empowering Halal , Tomorrow , Together ”, the 17th MIHAS will serve as a timely opportunity for the industry to empower themselves in accelerating future growth through partnership , cooperation and collaboration .
The Covid-19 global pandemic has shifted mindsets and ways of doing business which requires new business models .
MIHAS will act as the overarching umbrella platform for halal businesses to cultivate resiliency , creativity and adaptability to succeed in a ‘ new normal ’ business landscape .
Additionally , this marquee halal trade event aims to further expand Malaysia ’ s halal economy agenda , steering the country towards the era of Industry 4.0 and fortify its role as the global halal hub .
“ As the largest gathering of halal manufacturers , service providers , inventors , policymakers , financiers and investors , MIHAS is a robust marketplace for both international and local players .
“ They should seize opportunities beyond
MIHAS , a high-value Halal sourcing platform , set to cement Malaysia ’ s leading position in the global Halal economy . halal food including halal pharmaceutical , medical devices , finance , modest fashion , personal care and cosmetics , green technologies and even Muslim-friendly tourism .
“ MATRADE is committed to providing Malaysian companies greater access to the international markets ,” added Wan Latiff .
In addition , MATRADE announced the appointment of Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn Bhd as the official event organiser for MIHAS for a period of five years , from 2021 to 2025 .
Commenting on the appointment , Richard Teo , Group Managing Director of Qube Integrated Malaysia , said : “ Malaysia is well on its way to becoming the heart of the global halal economy .
“ Qube Integrated Malaysia is proud to be given the opportunity to support MATRADE in strengthening Malaysia ’ s leadership in the halal economy to the world .
“ We are backed by a team of passionate event specialists dedicated to curate a platform for businesses in the halal sector , from heavyweight players , entrepreneurs , investors to young startups .”
The main highlights of the 17th MIHAS are interactive displays , live demos , workshops , online networking sessions and a series of business matching opportunities .
It will serve its role as a high-value halal sourcing platform that helps existing businesses expand into new areas , and to nurture young players by focusing on sustainable partnerships .
The Islamic economy is a two-trillion-dollar market opportunity across a range of lifestyle products and services . It is projected to grow to US $ 3.2 trillion by 2024 .
MIHAS has successfully attracted the attendance of over 404,000 participants including exhibitors , visitors and halal services companies from more than 90 countries since its inception in 2004 .
The event has generated over RM17.2 billion in business leads since it first started in 2004 .