JOHOR BAHRU, June 4 – Local halal entrepreneurs are encouraged to explore new halal markets in addition to the food and beverage (F&B) sector, particularly in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, to meet growing international demand.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said this was because currently, 87 per cent of local halal products, including those exported abroad, are within the F&B sector.
“During my visits to several countries, I observed a high demand for halal pharmaceutical and cosmetic markets. I hope we can not only provide raw materials or ingredients but also produce final products under Malaysian brands.
“We will approach this gradually with a target of 50 per cent F&B products and 50 per cent non-F&B products within the next 10 years,” he said told a press conference after officiating the Halal on Track@Johor programme at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre on Tuesday.
However, he said the effort requires meticulous planning in collaboration with various agencies, including the Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC), the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and the state religious authorities.
