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@ HalalSpecial Edition | November-December . 2022

FOCUSING on developing Selangor ’ s halal industry , the State ’ s Islamic Religious Affairs , Consumer Affairs and Halal Industry Committee ( Jawatankuasa Tetap Agama Islam , Pengguna dan Industri Halal Negeri Selangor ), made an official visit to Melbourne , Australia .

Led by Mohd Zawawi Ahmad Mughni and joined by HIS Toyyiba Sdn Bhd ( Halal International Selangor ) CEO Mat Ghazali Abd Rakim , the delegation from Selangor participated significantly in the World Halal Business Conference Circuit ( WHBCC ) on Sep 1-6 , 2022 , in Melbourne , Australia .

The conference involved government chiefs , industry and trade leaders , policymakers , academicians , researchers and subject matter experts to discuss the new borderless world , which offers unlimited prospects and opportunities in the global halal ecosystem . Selangor ’ s participation in the programme focused on developing the State ’ s halal market .

Sharing about the opportunities in the State , Mat Ghazali made a presentation entitled “ Investment in Malaysia : Gateway to the Global Halal Markets ” during one of the conference ’ s parallel sessions .

GT Spice Manufactures Sdn Bhd , a Selangor-based company , also participated in WHBCC . The company produces varieties of spice and snack products under the label ‘ Kacang Matcha ’.

From its participation at the event , the company managed to hold six business matchings , four of which were potential customers . The estimated potential sales lead for the engagements is worth A $ 100,000 per year .

DISCUSSIONS AND NETWORKING SESSIONS

Aside from attending WHBCC , the delegates were engaged in other discussions and activities during their official visit to

Melbourne . These include :

• A discussion with the Australian government from the Australian Trade and Investment Commission ( AUSTRADE )

• A conversation with Consulate General Malaysia and JAKIM ’ s Atachè in Australia

• An engagement with Central Agri Group

• Engagements with the Islamic Coordination Council of Victoria ( ICCV ) and Australia Halal Authority and Advisers ( AHAA )

• A visit to Fine Food Australia The discussion with the Australian government was attended by Paul Sanda , Minister-Counsellor ( Commercial ) of AUSTRADE and Sanjay Boothalingam , Counsellor ( Agriculture ). Among the matters discussed was the opportunity for direct trade deals for import and export between the State of Victoria and Selangor .

This will open opportunities for Selangor entrepreneurs , especially in the halal industry , to penetrate the Australian market and investment opportunities for companies from Australia to operate in Malaysia , especially in Selangor .

OBSERVING AUSTRALIA ’ S BEST PRACTISES

Selangor ’ s Islamic Religious Affairs , Consumer Affairs and Halal Industry Committee also visited Cedar Meat Australia , Fonterra Australia and East Preston Islamic College ( EPIC ) to complement their official visit to the country .

Through the delegates ’ official visit to Cedar Meat Australia , they had the opportunity to understand the best manufacturing practices practised by the company . The commitment to such practices does not only lie on the owner but also involves the responsibility of the Australian government and the Austra-

Mat Ghazali ( right ), during his presentation .

( From left ) Paul Sanda , Sanjay Boothalingam , Mat Ghazali and Mohd Zawawi .

Selangor delegates at WHBCC .

lian halal certification body .

Fonterra Australia , a dairy manufacturer , received its halal certification from ICCV . Exporting its products to Malaysia , the manufacturer also has the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point ( HACCP ) certification , which guarantees the safety of its products .

The manufacturer utilises high technology and automation in its overall

A presentation from the representative of Islamic Coordination Council of Victoria ( ICCV ).

process , contributing to a high volume of production in a short period .

In short , Selangor delegates ’ visit to Australia explored the potential cooperation between Victoria and Selangor , the opportunities for Selangor ’ s halal products in the Australian market and the best practices in Australia which could be implemented in Selangor ’ s halal industry . – Special Edition

SINCE halal certification is relatively new in India , especially in Kerala , Markaz Knowledge City ( MKC ) in Kerala showed interest in learning about the halal certification implementation from Selangor and Malaysia .

The Selangor Islamic Religious Affairs , Consumers Affairs and Halal Industry Standing Committee was invited to visit MKC by Sheikh Abu Bakar Ahmed , MKC Chancellor and Grand Mufti of India .

The Chairman of the Standing Committee , Mohd Zawawi Ahmad Mughni , accompanied by Senior Secretary Zamri Zainal Abidin and Muhammad Syaril Shawkat Ali , spent some time exchanging thoughts and views on the possibility of jointly developing the halal industry .

After a discussion for almost two hours with MKC CEO Dr Abdul Salam Mohammed , the Committee managed to come up with some takeaways : 1 . Halal certification is still a new thing in India , especially in Kerala , and

MKC is interested in learning about its implementation from Selangor and Malaysia .

2 . MKC has an excellent opportunity to be explored as a halal reference centre in Kerala .

3 . The Selangor government , through its Islamic Religious Affairs , Consumers Affairs and Halal Industry Standing Committee , will try to guide and cooperate with MKC in various areas of the halal industry . – Special Edition