Penang to become first halal leather trading hub

Penang will become the first international halal leather trading hub
in the world.

This is through the signing of a memorandum of
understanding (MoU) between the state’s halal facilitation agency and a
company in Britain.

State Domestic Trade, Religious and Consumer
Affairs Committee chairman Abdul Malik Abul Kas-sim said the smart
partnership was sealed yesterday between Penang International Halal Hub
(PIHH) and Halal Industries Group UK (HIG).

Abdul Malik said the
venture would see Penang becoming the central hub for the halal leather
supply chain including importing, certifying and trading with halal
leather producers from China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Brazil.

“The total skin and hide market in the world is estimated to worth
US$100bil (RM341bil) with products ranging from apparel, accessories,
bags, wallets and furniture.

“Penang is well-positioned to serve
the halal leather industry due to its strategic location and
investment-friendly infrastructure,” he said in his speech before Chief
Minister Lim Guan Eng launched the first Penang Interna-tional Halal
Expo and Conference at the Penang International Sports Arena yesterday.

A total of 87 exhibitors took part in the three-day expo.

The
MoU was signed after the opening of the event, where Abdul Malik
represented PIHH and HIG was represented by its director Patrick
Duwernell.

Abdul Malik said HIG had been working on the halal
concept for two years.

Duwernell said with the halal leather
collaboration, HIG would bring its 20 years of experience working with
its own brands and doing the design and manufacturing for world famous
brands.

On the event, Abdul Malik said several companies and
agencies were undecided if they wanted to participate.

“Some
think it will not be successful, while some were instructed not to take
part as the state government is ruled by Pakatan Rakyat,” he said.

However,
Lim told a press conference later that there was a misunderstanding
about the matter and that it could be sorted out.

“We don’t want
to play up such issues,” he said.