@ Halal Xtra 08 November-December 2021
COVER STORY
BY KHIRTINI K KUMARAN
ISLAM IS among the largest religion globally , and along with the rapidly increasing Muslim population , the halal products market is poised for growth . As such , there is also tremendous potential for halal pharmaceuticals .
The State of Global Islamic Economy Report 2020 / 2021 recorded Muslim consumers spent US $ 2.02 trillion in 2019 on halal products across the board , including food , pharmaceuticals , cosmetics , fashion , travel and media / recreation .
The report also stated Muslim consumer spending on pharmaceuticals was at US $ 94 billion in 2019 and expected to increase at a CAGR of 2.3 per cent from 2019 onwards to reach US $ 105 billion by 2024 .
The Halal Development Corporation Berhad ( HDC ) has identified halal pharmaceuticals as one of the promoted sectors by the Malaysian government to drive growth to the Malaysian Halal Economy in their Halal Industry Master Plan 2030 ( HIMP 2030 ).
Based on the HDC Halal Pharmaceuticals Roadmap , the halal pharmaceuticals sector revenue is targeted to increase from RM1.2 billion ( 2018 ) to RM1.7 billion ( 2025 ).
Tan Sri Siti Sa ’ diah Sh Bakir , Non-Independent , Non-Executive Chairman of Duopharma Biotech Berhad , said Duopharma is wellposition to leverage this growth .
“ Our customers ’ needs are most important to us . Our Consumer Healthcare Products are under prominent brands like CHAMPS , Flavettes , Proviton , and Naturalle . The products under these brands were the first to be halal-certified in 1999 ,” explained Siti Sa ' diah .
“ And so , we need the various stakeholders , including government agencies , to aggressively promote halal pharmaceuticals to consumers , the overall market and industry . Ultimately , the nation will be in a position to continue building on halal and halal pharmaceuticals .”
Duopharma ’ s halal journey
Duopharma started its halal journey in 1998 to cater to the needs of its consumers .
All of the products manufactured in Duopharma ’ s facilities have been 100 per cent halal .
Duopharma was the first to be certified halal with the Malaysian Standard MS 2424:2019 by the Department of Islamic Development , Malaysia ( JAKIM ) for all its consumer healthcare and prescription products manufacturing facilities .
“ It means not only the Consumer Healthcare products are halal , but our ethical or prescription medicines are halal-certified by JAKIM .
“ We also received positive feedback from healthcare practitioners from government hospitals and healthcare providers on the importance of halal in the healthcare setting .
“ The pandemic accelerates consumers to become more aware and conscious about healthcare , including choosing healthcare supplements suited to their needs and requirements .
“ Consumers are also now more aware of the existence of halal pharmaceuticals and seek to access halal-certified Consumer Healthcare products such as vitamins , supplements and overthe-counter products ( OTC ).”
Commitment to halal standards
Siti Sa ' diah shared an independent market research company had reported consumers trusted halal-certified products as they were considered m o r e hygienic and of g o o d quality , thus
Leveraging the growth Duopharma started its halal journey in 1998 to cater to the needs of its consumers
giving consumers peace of mind when consuming them .
“ Firstly , halal is a Fardu Kifayah commitment for the Duopharma family , whereby it is a fulfilment for the benefit of the ummah .
“ It is well known that ‘ halal ’ carries the requirements of being permissible according to Shariah law .
“ But as we ’ ve progressed in inter- preting ‘ halal ’ into a standard , it has become an industry best practice . Further along , ‘ halal ’ is recognised as a universal value of integrity promoting hygienic , quality , efficacy , wholesomeness ( Toyyiban ) and sustainability .”
Duopharma ’ s halal commitment , said Siti Sa ' diah , starts from good governance from the Top Management and Halal Committee at the Board Level throughout the company until the produced product reaches the consumers and patients .
The Halal Committee provides stewardship to the company ’ s Halal Pharmaceutical Agenda ( HPA ).
Duopharma Biotech HPA is not limited to complying with the halal pharmaceuticals standard and certification requirements . “ It also comprises initiatives throughout the company ’ s business value chain ranging from thought leadership , strengthening resources and capabilities , leading halal certification , research & development , and expanding market segment .
“ Duopharma applies the concept of ‘ Halal Built-In , and not tested for ’ which means we make sure everything is halal from the start .”
The requirements of Halal or MS 2424 are integrated into Duopharma ’ s Good Manufacturing Practices ( GMP ) and Quality Management system .
“ It is a synergy between science and Shariah .”
Ambiguity in halal pharmaceuticals
Globally , halal pharmaceuticals is still an emerging sector . There are various interpretations of what defines halal pharmaceuticals . However , the basic principle that only halal starting materials are used is well understood .
“ The application of halal pharmaceutical is very different from food as it is not about satisfying hunger but about health and wellness ,” explained Siti Sa ' diah .
“ This is why awareness and education are crucial in overcoming this perceived concern . One cannot overcome such a challenge involving information , knowledge , and , ultimately , understanding .
“ This can be overcome by disseminating relevant information highlighting indisputable information from a shariah and scientific point of view .
“ Another component we may be overlooking is that individual demands based on the preference of hygiene as a concept unrelated to religion or sciences , but simply perceptive , cannot and should not be ignored .
“ According to Islamic