SHANGHAI: Despite the stringent procedures to obtain Malaysian halal certification, Chinese companies are willing to undertake the process so that their products can penetrate the bigger market, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
He said Chinese companies saw the potential of halal products, not just for the Asean market, but also demand from Muslim consumers for halal-certified products.
They also acknowledged the need to bridge the gap between their products and the halal market, he observed.
“They acknowledge that Malaysian halal certification is one of the most recognised in the world. They want a credible brand to certify their products.
“They are willing to follow the strict protocols and processes in order to get their products be certified halal by Malaysia,” the MCA president said here.
Dr Wee said that Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had asked him to assist discussions in the Halal Roundtable Dialogue, which was held to promote Malaysia as halal gateway.
The Deputy Prime Minister had described Dr Wee as “special adviser” to participants of the roundtable dialogue and also at the Malaysia-China Halal Business Forum held yesterday.
“Since I have experience in relations with China, the Deputy Prime Minister asked me to assist and explain to the dialogue participants on certain matters. I guess this is my national service,” he said.
Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the state government would provide assistance to Chinese companies producing halal products so that they could set up operations in the state.
He said during what he described as “heart-to-heart” discussions with the company representatives, they were keen to invest in Pahang, adding that the state had three dedicated halal hubs in Gebeng, Gambang and Bentong.
“We are committed to see their investment plans become a reality, particularly in Pahang,” he said when met here.
Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said that during discussions, he told investors that it was “worth it to invest in Perak”.
“We have the infrastructure. As we speak, work is being done in a 130-acre (52.6ha) plot of land along the West Coast Expressway which will be ready by next year,” he said.
Saarani acknowledged the growing interest in halal products, not just among Muslims but non-Muslims as well.
“That is why we offer these Chinese investors to come to Malaysia, specifically to Perak, to enable them to obtain our halal certification,” he added.
