Tuanku Syed Faizuddin (centre) tries some halal dishes during a tour of the World Halal Product Exhibition 2015 in Hat Yai yesterday. Also present is Prince of Songkla University director Suebsak Glinson (left). — Bernama photo
SONGKHLA: The Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, said it is appropriate for Malaysia and Thailand to cooperate and be ready to meet the increasing demand for halal food.
He said this development needed to be capitalised on as Malaysia’s halal certification was recognised worldwide and southern Thailand was rich in raw materials from its agriculture sector.
“The demand for traditional halal products is growing.
Among them are medicines, tourism, banking, hospitality and cosmetics and self-care products.
“Southern Thailand and Perlis can benefit each other by adopting mutually-beneficial strategies,” he said yesterday.
The Raja Muda said this at the seminar on ‘Opportunities for Collaboration between Perlis and Thailand’ at the World Halal Product Exhibition 2015 (HAPEX 2015) in Hat Yai yesterday.
Also present were Chief Secretary of the International Islamic Halal Organisation, Dr Saleh Alaayed Diskul, and President of PSU, Dr Chusak Limsakul.
The four-day seminar and HAPEX 2015, from yesterday, are organised by Prince of Songkhla University. Tuanku Syed Faizuddin said the cooperation between Perlis and Thailand would increase with the plan to build the Perlis Inland Port in Padang Besar.
This port would make it easier for the export of halal products from southern Thailand to the world, he said.
“The Federal Government, via Malaysian Investment Development Authority, has also offered attractive tax perks for investment in halal products in Lembah Chuping light industry area,” he said.
Many Perlis government departments and agenies are participating in HAPEX 2015. — Bernama