LOCAL NEWS

@ Halal | July-August. 2025

The Malaysia-New Zealand Halal forum, held in Wellington, served as a platform to enhance cooperation in halal certification, trade and academic collaboration. Two New Zealand-based halal certification bodies, namely the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand( FIANZ) and the New Zealand Islamic Development Trust( NZIDT), have received official recognition from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia( JAKIM). This recognition enables them to certify halal products for export to Malaysia and other ASEAN markets.

Malaysia is expected to serve as a strategic distribution hub, allowing New Zealand halal producers to expand their reach across Southeast Asia. Zahid also invited halal industry players from New Zealand to participate in the Malaysia International Halal Showcase( MIHAS) 2025, where an important announcement will be made regarding the

HALAL PARTNERSHIP: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi meets New Zealand’ s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Trade and Investment, Todd McClay, in Wellington to strengthen strategic halal and trade ties, positioning Malaysia as a gateway to the ASEAN market.

establishment of the ASEAN Halal Council. The council, with representation from ASEAN and ASEAN Plus countries, aims to harmonise halal certification standards across the region.

Recognising the importance of a credible and cohesive halal ecosystem, Malaysia is also in discussions with Gulf Cooperation Council( GCC) member countries to revive the World Halal Council. The global halal market is projected to reach US $ 5 trillion by 2050, and Malaysia aims to capture a five per cent share of this expanding market.

In addition to food and beverages, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasised the need to broaden the scope of the halal industry to include pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, Islamic finance, logistics, and other related sectors. He reiterated that halal is a universal benchmark for cleanliness, quality and safety that benefits both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers.

Academic collaboration was also strengthened during the visit, with letters of intent exchanged between Malaysian and New Zealand universities. These agreements focus on halal science, engineering and sustainable food systems.

This strategic partnership reflects Malaysia’ s vision of becoming a global halal hub while promoting inclusive and values-based economic growth.

HALAL EXCELLENCE: Key representatives from Pernas, JAKIM, and Gloria Jean’ s Coffees celebrate the official handover of halal certification for 34 outlets nationwide, marking a significant achievement in Malaysia’ s halal industry.

PERBADANAN Nasional Berhad( Pernas), through its subsidiary Wonderful Lifestyle Sdn Bhd, has successfully secured halal certification from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia( JAKIM) for 34 Gloria Jean’ s Coffees( GJC) outlets nationwide.

This recognition marks a significant milestone for the international coffee franchise in Malaysia, reinforcing its commitment to upholding halal integrity across all aspects of its operations. The halal certificates were officially presented by Pernas Chief Executive Officer( CEO) Datuk Nor Azam M. Taib at a handover ceremony held in Kuala Lumpur.

In his speech, Azam stated that halal certification goes beyond fulfilling market demand. He said it reflects integrity, discipline, and dedication to providing clean and high-quality products to consumers. He also emphasised the strong collaboration between the management of GJC, JAKIM, and the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative( KUSKOP) in achieving this certification.

JAKIM’ s stringent certification process ensures full compliance with halal standards, including documentation, operations, and monitoring. The certification initiative, which began on 14 August 2024, was supported by a halal compliance grant from KUSKOP and implemented across all 34 outlets.

This achievement not only enhances public confidence in the GJC brand but also sets a benchmark for other food and beverage franchises that aspire to grow within the halal ecosystem.

Pernas, an agency under KUS- KOP, remains committed to supporting local franchise entrepreneurs to expand into domestic and international markets while championing trusted and halal-certified brands.-

JOHOR is intensifying efforts to position itself as a regional halal hub through its Johor Halal Development Plan( PKHNJ), with strong collaboration from international agencies and state departments.

According to Johor’ s Islamic Religious Affairs Committee Chairman, Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid, the initiative will begin by ensuring all kitchens in government hospitals and welfare institutions are halal-certified. This includes encouraging cafeteria operators and food providers in State-run agencies to apply for halal certification, setting an example for private businesses to follow.

The state is also working closely with Majlis Amanah Rakyat( MARA) to strengthen the halal ecosystem, covering areas such as education, entrepreneurship, and business management. A joint workshop is planned to simplify the halal application process for entrepreneurs.

Support from the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority( RISDA) in halal-based Technical and Vocational Education and Training( TVET) programmes, as well as proposed partnerships with MARA-owned educational institutions, further reinforces Johor’ s commitment. These efforts are expected to create more career opportunities in the halal sector and uplift the economic well-being of the asnaf community.

Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid