Over the past two years, plant-based food consumption has grown by 49% across the EU, reaching a total sales volume of €3.6 billion.
Malaysia to unify halal standards
2025-05-15
There is a lack of synchronicity when it comes to the standards and procedures involved in issuing halal certification, which suggests an anachronism in recognizing the numerous halal logos across the region and globally.
Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Jamil Bidin said keeping up with all these standards from multinational certification bodies could be a major challenge but should be focused on as a way to further develop the industry.
“Different countries have different standards based on their own interpretations, which is fine because even if you look at religion, there are different schools of thought.
“Because of this, the standards have been modified to suit local culture and requirements, (and) we should not argue about the differences in standards but learn to respect each other.
“We can’t say whose standards are right or wrong, but I don’t think it’s been resolved yet (because) there’s still an argument about whose standards or certifications are better,” he said.
“For me, it’s not worth the effort (to argue) because the reality on the ground is that consumers around the world, especially Muslims, don’t care about the logos, standards or certifications they use.
“There are 1.8 billion Muslims around the world and of course they want halal products, but this is it.
“Everyone has their own standards, and I think what’s more important is the development of the industry.
“Grow your industry so that it returns for your economy, rather than arguing about standards and certifications,” he urged.
Nonetheless, Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to unify these myriad standards will lead the initiative.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced the establishment of the International Halal Authority (IHAB) in June as part of the Malaysian Halal Council (MHC) 2018-2020 agenda.
Among other things, it will see halal authorities around the world come together to synchronise the procedures involved in issuing halal certification for products and services.
Zahid, who is also the chairman of the MHC, said the council will also establish an institute of international studies in halal, the first of its kind in the region.
Jakim Halal Hub director Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee said IHAB was an initiative aimed at maintaining the country’s leading position as a global halal player.
“Currently, Jakim recognises 67 halal certification bodies from 41 countries, which means all certified products can be exported to Malaysia.
“We are looking forward to the launch of IHAB, which will be a way for all certification bodies to come on one platform to harmonise halal standards so products can be transported from one part of the world to another,” he added.