BY FATIHAH MANAF

Under its Rancangan Selangor-1 ( RS-1 ), the State strongly emphasises the halal sector as a priority , aiming to drive its economic growth . The State government consistently allocates resources and actively supports halal entrepreneurs by facilitating their participation in expos and trade fairs .

The Selangor Pavilion at Malaysia International Halal Showcase ( MIHAS ) 2023 was a recent testament to this commitment . The Pavilion , officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim , featured numerous halal players from the State .

THE POTENTIAL OF SELANGOR ’ S HALAL INDUSTRY

Recently appointed Selangor EXCO for Islamic Affairs and Innovation , Dr Fahmi Ngah said :“ The halal sector in Selangor is quite extensive . The past initiatives by the State government , while addressing the broader ecosystem , may have lacked a certain level of focus . It could be beneficial to consider prioritising and concentrating efforts on specific areas within Selangor ’ s halal industry to further its development .”

He mentioned numerous food and beverage businesses within SMEs in Selangor , but not all have obtained halal certification . He said if these products were to receive halal certification , they could expand their market reach .

“ If we look at the size of the halal industry in Selangor , the second largest segment is

Selangor Pavilion team at MIHAS 2023 .

Islamic finance . However , I believe there ’ s a need to create more advanced financial products . It means not solely relying on conventional financial instruments that have been ‘ Islamicised ’ but rather looking at the development of Islamic financial instruments from the ground up .

“ This approach is better , and we should also incorporate elements like waqf ( endowment ). We have the Selangor Waqf Corporation , which , at present , is somewhat detached from the world of finance , banking , and cooperatives , even though it possesses excellent asset accumulation capabilities .

“ Next , the tourism industry . However , this segment is challenging because it requires logistics to be integrated into a chain . This matter needs to be reconsidered , and my task is to prioritise certain areas so we can address several issues swiftly .

“ The advice given by the Prime Minister during the launch of the Global Halal Summit ( GHas ) 2023 was that halal certification and the industry should go hand in hand , and the

Mohd Zawawi Ahmad Mughni

industry should not neglect micro-SMEs or small entrepreneurs in rural areas . The State government has already taken steps in that direction , but it needs to be strengthened . If we can achieve this , we will elevate the income level of halal entrepreneurs in Selangor .”

HIS TOYYIBA TO CONTINUE SPEARHEADING HALAL INITIATIVES

HIS Toyyiba Sdn Bhd , formerly known as Aspire Flagship Sdn Bhd , is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Menteri Besar Selangor ( Incorporated ) or MBI Selangor , entrusted with leading the Halal International Selangor initiative in the State .

Its Chairman , Mohd Zawawi Ahmad Mughni , stated : “ Alhamdulillah , HIS Toyyiba has successfully participated in MIHAS for the third time . This edition has been notably successful , particularly regarding preparation and involvement . The Selangor Pavilion has been established to promote halal activities and products in the State .”

“ Several companies under MBI and others have rented booths under this Pavilion with subsidies provided by the State government . The aim is to let entrepreneurs engaged in the halal industry , allowing them to engage in networking and other activities .”

Zawawi also shared about the Authorised HIS Operator programme under HIS Toyyiba . This programme aims to bring industry players together on a single platform . He believes the platform can accelerate halal activities in Selangor with positive responses from industry players and strategic partners .–