Many opportunities in halal industry – Daud

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STRESSING A POINT: Daud gestures while speaking to reporters during the press conference.

KUCHING: Local entrepreneurs are urged to tap into the halal industry as it offers a wider market.

Stating this in a press conference to announce the Halal Transformation Programme yesterday, Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs) Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman explained that the halal industry was not limited to just foods.

“There is a wider scope in halal market, for example pharmaceutical, slaughter house, cosmetics and even logistics,” said Daud.

He elaborated that various business opportunities could be made from the halal industry to meet the demand of certain sectors while creating more jobs for people familiar with halal matters. On another matter, he lamented that only 25 per cent out of the 384 halal certificates issued throughout the state were for Muslim operators.

“Most Muslim food operators thought that they do not need halal certification as customers will still come to patronise their food outlets or purchase their products.

“However, the halal certificate will actually attract more customers, especially those very particular about halal issues.

“The halal certification process is not troublesome and the longest time it takes is around three months,” he added.

At the same time, Daud expressed his satisfaction that all hotels rated three stars and above in the state were halal certified.

“Sarawak is the first state to implement this and we are proud to lead by example,” he said.