MAY-JUNE . 2023 | @ Halal
Industry
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“ We also aim to have participants from Selhac 2023 , where we are targeting around 100 participants to participate in the programme package offered .”
Through this collaboration , Syaril hopes that they can solve the issues plaguing SMEs regarding finances , as some SMEs face challenges when it comes to obtaining loans from banks due to the nature of the halal business .
“ This is where HIS comes into play , where we collaborate with Bank Islam to have concise participation when it involves the Islamic financing instrumentation . We solve the issues regarding procuring the halal certification within halal financing .”
Through this collaboration , Syaril hopes they can address the issues plaguing SMEs regarding finances , as some SMEs face challenges when it comes to obtaining loans from banks due to the nature of the halal business .
This collaboration assists SMEs in obtaining halal certifications and providing support through halal financing and training .
BRANCHING OUT TO NEW HORIZONS
Following the collaboration with Bank Islam , HIS set its sights on other institutes that could provide the necessary engagements within the halal ecosystem .
HIS is developing plans to establish memoranda º of understanding ( MOUs ) with local and foreign universities whose primary focus is providing training , education and laboratory equipment within the halal institution .
The idea behind this comes from the necessity of halving the time it takes for SMEs to receive their halal certification through a lengthy verification process . The initial time for SMEs to be verified would be one to six months .
The materials will be uploaded to the app through phases . The motive here is to publish halal restaurants within the app so customers can find halal food . The app also has features that restaurant owners can use to attract customers , such as discounts and promotional materials . We are excited about the launch .” – Syaril
Additionally , queue times would be prolonged as other SMEs would have to wait pending their verification process .
Therefore , this lengthy process will be halved by having local and foreign universities assist in the verification process for SMEs when they want to apply for the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia ( JAKIM ) halal certifications by renovating their laboratories and re-skilling their staff .
“ This initiative has been proposed since last year , so this year , Selangor will be dispersing the necessary funds to renovate the planned laboratories .”
“ We are also looking forward towards investments and businesses from foreign countries . We have engaged with Dubai Business Chambers and Canada to provide their business purposes . We have also engaged with the Aussie Trade from Australia and received an enthusiastic response from them with the halal segment ,” Syaril added .
CURRENT STRATEGIES AND BEYOND
Due to the nature of the current economy , many SMEs and citizens are understandably on edge .
“ What we can see from the State of the economy is that the big players can survive because they have a contingency of backup financial planning in an emergency . However , they still need help from the State itself ,” said Syaril .
“ The feedback we obtained from the industry players and SMEs is that they require financial support from the government as well as support from the authorities in terms of exemptions , giving better offers and engagement periods .”
HIS , through their SME Development Programme initiative , have crafted business schemes for SMEs , allowing them to redevelop their business and provide them support in terms of financial support , warehouse locations and even consultancy .
“ When people want to start their own business , they need the halal certification and a permit . Since most of them conduct their businesses from their homes , we have discussed with the Department of Islam Selangor ( JAIS ) how they can assist them in endorsing their certifications and permits .”
This programme will involve SMEs and other industry players for around two or three years to assist them in their development , such as providing the necessary facilities and financial support for their businesses until they can stand on their own two feet .
Additionally , their app , HALALSEL , had undergone some amendments that the State required . Therefore , the app will be completed and launched by July .
“ The materials will be uploaded to the app through phases . The motive here is to publish halal restaurants within the app so customers can find halal food . The app also has features that restaurant owners can use to attract customers , such as discounts and promotional materials . We are excited about the launch ,” said Syaril .
HIS also plans to match HALALSEL with some significant marketplaces , such as Foodpanda and their halal segment , by having clusters or tabs in the app to redirect customers to the halal segment side with just a button .
“ We also plan to collaborate with Shopee and Lazada much in the same way with Foodpanda by proposing a segment of cluster tab within the app called HALALSEL or any halal segment where we can promote and share the halal businesses that we have .”
HIS has also laid out plans to initiate and launch their Authorised Halal Operator ( AHO ), which will act as a one-stop centre that provides all the necessities for the industry players . Organisations and SMEs that are registered with AHO can get all their leads and approvals in one place without having to travel to other sites for approval . –