KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 (Bernama) — Malaysia exported halal products worth RM9.2 billion in the first quarter of this year, said Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Hasan Malek.
He said this showed that local companies involved in the manufacturing of halal products had the capability and capacity to cater to the needs of the global market.
“Malaysia is already the world’s leading exporter of halal ingredients required in various industries such as food and beverages (F&B), cosmetics, medical and wellness,” he said when addressing the National Conference on Marketing Halal and Funding Solutions 2014 here Tuesday.
Hasan pointed out that the halal F&B continued to be the leading sector, with exports valued at RM3.5 billion or 39.9 per cent of total halal exports.
This, he said, was followed by halal ingredients worth RM3 billion, palm oil derivatives (RM1.4 billion), cosmetics and personal care (RM573 million), industrial chemicals (RM524 million) and pharmaceuticals (RM113 million).
Hasan said the top five halal export markets were China, the United States, Singapore, Indonesia and Japan.
He noted that Malaysia’s halal exports of between RM30 billion and RM32 billion a year could be significantly enhanced by strengthening the country’s position as a halal trading centre.
The two-day conference beginning today is jointly organised by Angkatan Koperasi Kebangsaan Malaysia Bhd (Angkasa), Koperasi Rakyat Indah Kuala Lumpur and AYS Group.
— BERNAMA
