IPOH: The Perak state government expects to see more than 1,000 companies with halal certification to be established by 2030, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
The Perak Mentri Besar said until March this year, there were a total of 882 companies with the certification operating in Perak, adding that this number goes up to about 10,000 companies nationwide.
According to him, the development was seen as very significant and in line with the state government's target to increase the number of entrepreneurs who produce products with halal status.
"From time to time we will increase that number and if we can surpass 1,000 companies, it is a great achievement for the state.
“We hope to be able to guide young entrepreneurs as they could then provide motivation to their younger friends,” he told reporters after officiating the Jelajah Halal Malaysia 2023 programme at Casuarina Meru Hotel here on Monday (Nov 27).
Present was Halal Development Corporation (HDC) chairman Khairul Azwan Harun.
Saarani said apart from just maintaining the existing halal certificate holders, they wanted to increase that number.
“It is understood that the state Islamic Religious Department is also currently processing 300 halal certification applications,” he said.
During his speech earlier, Saarani said the announcement of Perak's Halal Industrial Park (HIP) in Lekir on August 21 was a strategic move by the state government in driving the development of the increasingly important halal industry at the international level.
He said the industrial park could provide quality employment opportunities to the people in Perak, as well as produce more halal entrepreneurs.
During the press conference, Khairul Azwan said the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) has agreed to help Perak in the construction of the industrial park.
"We have received the green light from Miti to cooperate and help develop the park, as HDC is a one-stop centre for managing such industrial parks throughout the country.
“Perak is also rich in natural resources, forest and marine products that have great potential at the global level in producing ingredients for the pharmaceutical sector, cosmetics and for medical devices.
“HDC will always work with the state government to explore strategic sectors or strategic sub-sectors to pioneer and develop together," he said.
