Harmonised standards and certification empower consumers and foster growth in the halal pharmaceutical ecosystem
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Deep-Dive Session
@ Halal | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER . 2023
Halal certification in halal pharmaceuticals
Harmonised standards and certification empower consumers and foster growth in the halal pharmaceutical ecosystem
Wan Amir-Jeffery Wan Abdul Majid
BY KHIRTINI K KUMARAN
IN the current state of development in the halal pharmaceutical market , Duopharma Biotech Berhad Chief Executive Officer ( Commercial ) Wan Amir-Jeffery Wan Abdul Majid noted that consumer halal awareness is increasing , and there is a renewed focus on health and immunity .
He emphasised the importance of halal certification to protect consumers ’ interests and trust .
“ Consumers trust halal-certified products as they were considered more hygienic and of good quality , thus giving consumers confidence when consuming them ,” he shared during during the deep-dive session at the @ Halal al-Basirah book launch at the 19th Malaysia International Halal Showcase ( MIHAS ) 2023 .
His presentation was titled ‘ Empowering Health and Commerce through Halal Pharmaceuticals in the New Era ’.
According to Wan-Amir , Malaysia has excellent growth potential in the halal pharmaceutical market .
Based on the State of the Global Islamic Economy Report 2022 , Muslim spending on pharmaceuticals increased by 6.5 per cent in
2021 , from US $ 93.5 billion to US $ 100 billion , and is expected to grow by a further 6.7 per cent in 2022 to US $ 106 billion and reach US $ 129 billion in 2025 at a four-year CAGR of 6.7 per cent .
“ Malaysia , the first country with an established halal pharmaceutical standard MS 2424 , has technical and know-how capability in the halal industry and certification process .
“ Additionally , Malaysia is ranked No 1 Global Islamic Economy Indicator and No 2 for the pharma and cosmetic sector .
“ Therefore , Malaysian pharmaceutical companies need to take this opportunity to adopt the halal standard and certification and further boost their halal pharmaceutical ecosystem .
“ Duopharma Biotech manufacturing facilities have produced 100 per cent halal-compliant products since 1998 . We apply the concept of ‘ Halal Built-In , and not tested for ’, ensuring everything is halal from the start .
“ Duopharma Biotech is the first pharmaceutical company to obtain the Malaysian Halal certification - health supplements under CHAMPS , Flavettes , Provitton , and Naturalle based on MS 1500 .”
Some of the critical requirements that pharmaceutical companies need to fulfil to be certified halal , he shared , include :
• The processing line shall be for halal pharmaceuticals only . Equipment not contaminated with najs .
• All materials shall be clearly defined with evidence complying with the Shariah Law and National Fatwa .
• Qualified and competent personnel .
• Premises and facilities adhere to Shariah guidelines .
• Distribution of products minimises any risk to their halal integrity . “ But as we ’ ve progressed in interpreting
‘ halal ’ into a standard , it has become an industry best practice . Further , ‘ halal ’ is recognised as a universal value of integrity promoting hygiene , quality , efficacy , wholesomeness ( toyyiban ) and sustainability .
“ Halal is a Fardu Kifayah ( legal obligation that must be discharged ) commitment for the Duopharma family , whereby it is fulfilment for the benefit of the ummah .”
A harmonised standard for halal pharma is the key to ensuring universal acceptance of halal pharmaceuticals . It is not an easy feat to achieve this , but a necessary one . –
Navigating the halal ecosystem
UNITED Overseas Bank ( Malaysia ) Bhd ( UOB ) is committed to making a difference in the lives of its stakeholders and the communities in which it operates .
UOB Business Banking Strategic Alliance Head Stephen Chan Kah Chun presented on ‘ Harmonising Progress : Empowering Customers for Sustainable Growth ’ during the deep-dive session at the @ Halal al-Basirah book launch at the 19th Malaysia International Halal Showcase ( MIHAS ) 2023 .
He shared that UOB Malaysia had collaborated with Global Haltech Sdn Bhd to provide the first steps for these businesses to obtain halal certification and enter the halal marketplace .
“ In a halal ecosystem , businesses operating according to Islamic guidelines must ensure that their offerings comply with halal standards throughout the production , distribution , and consumption .
“ However , despite the industry ’ s and consumers ’ growing demand , numerous businesses still need help obtaining JAKIM ’ s halal certification .”
As one of the panel laboratories of JAKIM , Global Haltech is offering services with
Stephen Chan Kah Chun
preferential rates to businesses through UOB Malaysia .
“ Companies will benefit from subsidised annual fees , and F & B businesses may perform ingredient verification .
“ In obtaining verification on ingredients that meet halal standards , businesses are only required to share samples of their ingredients with Global Haltech ’ s laboratories . A sticker / logo will then be issued and displayed as a replacement to the “ No Pork , No Lard ” signages commonly used .
“ Additionally , it helps to pave the way for businesses to obtain JAKIM ’ s halal certification . Training will be provided to business personnel to be halal practitioners , including monitoring operations discrepancies .”
In encouraging value creation through Shariah principles and sustainable practices , UOB Malaysia believes the collaboration with Global Haltech will help to support halal-based businesses and their ecosystems .
In addition , UOB Malaysia ’ s suite of digital offerings may further complement their business needs . During MIHAS 2023 , UOB Malaysia offered participating SMEs exclusive banking solutions and subsidised fees for Global Haltech services .
UOB Malaysia was incorporated in 1993 but has been in Malaysia since 1951 . UOB Malaysia is rated among the top banks in Malaysia with a long-term ‘ AAA ’ rating from Ratings Agency Malaysia .
“ Guided by our rich heritage and values , we have built lasting relationships with our customers and continue to ensure we act in their best interest by delivering solutions that meet their financial goals and suit their lifestyles and preferences . Today , UOB Malaysia has 55 branches nationwide and is the leading foreign bank operating in Malaysia .
“ Drawing on our expertise and understanding of what is unique to ASEAN and the needs of our customers and businesses , UOB Malaysia offers its retail and commercial customers a broad range of products and solutions that best suit their lifestyles , preferences and business life cycles .
“ These range from personal financial services , corporate and commercial banking , investment banking and treasury services to wealth management and Islamic banking .”