Malaysia: All Mara SMEs to be Halal Certified As Soon As Possible

malaysia-flagKUALA LUMPUR, Sept 4 (Bernama) — The Rural and Regional Development Ministry targets to have all small and medium-size enterprises under Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) halal certififed in the near future.

Its minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said at present, only half of the 116,000 SMEs had halal certification from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim).

“We will work with Jakim and Mara to give guidance or assistance to the SMEs so that all the conditions for halal certification are met,” he told reporters after launching the Halal Fiesta Malaysia (Halfest) 2014 here today.

Mohd Shafie said one of the reasons for the application for halal certification not approved was technical problems such as non-permanent premises, not possessing a complete business licence and problems regarding hygiene.

“We will work with Jakim so that the halal certification of all companies are speeded up and they can contribute to the halal industry,” he said.

Mohd Shafie also called on manufacturers of halal products in the country to expand their products beyond food and drinks and include other aspects such as service, clothes and cosmetics.