KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 23 (Bernama) — The Fourth World Halal
Forum (WHF) will be held for two days, starting May 18, at the Kuala
Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) here.
In announcing this, the WHF chairman Datuk Seri Sheikh Saleh
Abdullah Kamel said this year’s event, would present the efforts of
collaboration within the Islamic world to produce a set of standards
and specifications to uphold the quality and value of halal services.
“The WHF 2009 stands to see the beginning of a long awaited
objective which is, a global halal standard, covering the entire value
chain,” Sheikh Saleh told a media briefing here today.
The WHF theme this year is, “Achieving Global Halal Integrity”.
Sheikh Saleh said the theme is also a progression from the last
forum, which focused on, “Sustainable Development Through Investment
and Integration”.
The WHF 2008 accepted a resolution that called for the adoption of
an International Halal Alliance (IHA) to develop, implement and
maintain halal standards and a conformity assessment system.
“It is to ensure halal integrity throughout the supply chain and
to play a leading role in assisting Muslim and non-Muslim countries in
halal institutional development and other important areas,” he
explained.
The WHF 2009 will see invited heads of states and trade ministers,
halal industry stakeholders, academicians, researchers and Shariah
experts, gather to address issues related to halal development.
“They will also discuss and deliberate on issues that will shape
the growth and progress of the halal industry globally,” said Sheikh
Saleh, who is also the president of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and
Industry.
Meanwhile, the managing director of KasehDia Sdn Bhd, Jumaatun
Azmi, said, this year’s event is expected to draw 2,500 delegates.
“We began in 2006 with 463 delegates attending and the numbers
have grown steadily each year. In 2007 we had 980 delegates and last
year the bar was raised again to 1,200 delegates,” she highlighted.
KasehDia is the founder and organiser of the annual WHF.
The company, which publishes the Halal Journal magazine, will
announce the winners of the Halal Journal Awards during a gala dinner
to be held in conjunction with the WHF 2009.
The WHF was initiated with a very clear set of goals outlined in
its charter signed by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad
Badawi, to provide a focal point for the global halal industry.
— BERNAMA
