Malaysia: HDC launches world’s first Halal Data Pool

Deputy Minister of MITI, Ahmad Maslan, says database will connect halal-accredited businesses across the entire global value chain to enhance market penetration.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Halal Industry Development Corp (HDC) has launched the Global Data Halal maslanPool (GDHP), the world’s first halal data pool, to connect Malaysia with the international halal supply chain.

GDHP will bring together and connect accredited halal suppliers, manufacturers, product service providers, buyers and retailers in the global marketplace.

Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry, Ahmad Maslan, said GDHP will serve as a central point of control and access that enhances global marketplace penetration and provide a consolidated dashboard for supply chain management that upholds halal integrity.

“Most importantly, it provides the basis of information, analysis and strategy needed by manufacturers, suppliers, retailers and even consumers,” he said when launching the GDHP here today.

The GDHP is a collaborative effort between HDC and GS1 (a Belgium-based non-profit), adopting standards with portfolio ranges from BarCodes to eCom (electronic commerce tools) to next generation technologies.

GS1, with head office in Belgium, is an international organisation dedicated to the design and implementation of global standards and solutions to improve the efficiency of supply and demand chains globally and across sectors.

Meanwhile, HDC chief executive officer, Jamil Bidin, said GDHP system will facilitate the growth of Malaysia’s halal products and services by creating opportunities for export participants, including small and medium enterprises, through linkages established with 34 existing data pools globally.

“A standard format will make it easier for business owners to upload detailed product information including ingredients, expiry dates, package size, pricing and pictures.”

“The common formats reduce the need for reformatting based on different countries or retailers, reducing the time to go to market and provides wider market access,” said Jamil.