The call was made by Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III and State Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, Ewon Benedick.

Speaking after officiating the Sabah Industrial Excellence Awards( AKIS) ceremony, Benedick emphasised that compliance with recognised standards, particularly halal certification, is increasingly important for companies aiming to compete beyond domestic markets.

Data from the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation indicates that Sabah companies remain underrepresented in exportoriented networks. As of December last year, only 261 enterprises from the

state were registered with the agency out of 12,742 Malaysian businesses.

Benedick noted that greater adoption of certifications such as halal, MeSTI food safety standards, and environmental, social, and governance practices would help local companies strengthen credibility and market readiness.

He explained that halal certification, in particular, presents significant opportunities for Sabah businesses as global demand for halal products continues to expand across food, consumer goods, and related industries.

“ Through compliance with international standards such as halal and MeSTI certifications, local companies will be better prepared to penetrate overseas markets,” he said.

The state government, he added, is focusing on improving the standards and quality of products and services offered by Sabah entrepreneurs in order to enhance their competitiveness.

The remarks were delivered

during the Sabah Industrial Excellence Awards presentation, which recognises companies demonstrating strong performance and good management practices.

Six companies received recognition at the event: Brown Eyes Production, The Best Solution Management Sdn Bhd, Twinine Sdn Bhd, Kedai Emas Osheen Jaya Sdn Bhd, Onaki Sdn Bhd and Jetsin Sdn Bhd.

Benedick said the awards not only recognise outstanding local companies but also encourage other entrepreneurs to adopt stronger standards, including halal compliance, to improve their competitiveness.

He added that strengthening certification and operational practices can help Sabah businesses build investor confidence while positioning themselves to par-

ticipate more actively in the growing global halal economy.

Ewon Benedick

MALAYSIA’ S halal authority has reaffirmed its firm stance on compliance and stressed that violations involving severe impurities will be met with immediate and uncompromising action.

The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia( JAKIM) emphasised that maintaining the integrity of halal certification remains a top priority, particularly in cases linked to najis mughallazah.

The statement follows the revocation of Malaysian Halal Certification( SPHM) for two food manufacturers in Melaka, after authorities discovered the use of brushes made from pig hair within their premises. The enforcement action was carried out by the Melaka Islamic Religious Department( JAIM), which is responsible for monitoring and enforcing halal standards at the state level.

JAKIM Director-General Sirajuddin Suhaimee said the decision reflects the seriousness of the breach. He noted that any non-compliance particularly involvement of pig-derived materials constitutes a major violation under halal guidelines.

“ Such cases requires immediate strict action and cannot be taken lightly,” he added.

The companies involved have been directed to stop using the halal logo with immediate effect and to recall affected products from the market. In addition, they must implement comprehensive corrective measures, including cleansing procedures that comply with Islamic law and established certification guidelines.

JAKIM reiterated that it respects

the role of state religious authorities in overseeing certification and enforcement and highlights the importance of coordinated efforts in maintaining standards nationwide. However, it made clear that no leniency would be extended to any party found breaching certification conditions.

The agency also emphasised that compliance is not limited to documentation or initial approval processes. Continuous adherence to standards, including proper

sourcing of materials and handling procedures, is essential to ensure that certified products remain trustworthy throughout the supply chain.

Incidents involving contamination or prohibited substances are treated with heightened severity due to their implications for both religious compliance and consumer trust. Authorities warned that failure to meet these standards could result in swift enforcement actions, including certification revocation.

Moving forward, JAKIM said it will continue to strengthen cooperation with relevant agencies to enhance monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. This includes closer collaboration with state authorities to ensure consistent oversight across all certified entities.

The latest action serves as a reminder that halal certification carries significant responsibility. For businesses, maintaining compliance is not only a regulatory requirement but also a commitment to upholding the confidence of consumers who rely on the halal mark as a symbol of trust and assurance.-