GEORGE TOWN: About 76 per cent of Malaysian halal certification or Sijil Pengesahan Halal Malaysia (SPHM) holders in Penang are non-Muslim companies, including non-Bumiputera and foreign-owned entities.
The remaining 24 per cent are Muslim (Bumiputera) companies, according to figures from January until June this year.
Deputy Chief Minister I and Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP) president Datuk Mohamad Abdul Hamid said they included 462 non-Muslim companies and 139 Muslim companies, covering micro, small, medium, multinational, and foreign-owned industries.
"This data shows that non-Bumiputera traders recorded a higher percentage of halal certification applications compared to Bumiputera traders, proving that the Malaysian halal certification is trusted by all, regardless of religious or ethnic background.
"Moreover, to encourage more halal certification applications in Penang, the process has been expedited from 90 days to just 30 working days since November last year," he said today.
Mohamad said the statistics for SPHM holders in Penang also showed an annual increase, with 56 companies in 2008 and up to 1,651 companies as of August this year, involving products such as food, consumables, business premises, hotels, slaughterhouses, cosmetics, and logistics.
"Based on this data, it indicates a growing awareness and demand among consumers for halal products and services each year.
"The Malaysian halal certification also offers the opportunity to enhance customers' confidence and open broader markets, both locally and internationally.
"Certified halal businesses have a competitive advantage and are trusted by various segments of society.
"Also, the Malaysian halal certification has elevated the country's reputation on the international stage with its high-quality and integrity-driven certification," he added, noting that the integrity of this certification is based on standards developed by the Malaysian Standards Department, in accordance with the Malaysian Standards Act (Act 549) 1996, which meets International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) standards.
According to Mohamad, the Malaysian halal certification for domestic purposes is available through nine schemes: food premises, food and beverage products, cosmetic products, pharmaceutical products, consumables, medical devices, logistics services, slaughterhouses, and contract manufacturing (OEM).
"The concept of halal certification is a crucial requirement to ensure standards of hygiene, food safety and Shariah compliance are met, not only for Muslims but also for non-Muslim consumers, who are increasingly recognising the quality assured through the certification process," he said.
"Certified halal businesses have a competitive edge and are trusted by various layers of society.
"Based on the 2023 State of Global Islamic Economy (SGIE) report by Dinar Standards, Malaysia ranked first in the halal food sector in the 2023 Global Islamic Economy Indicator (GIEI).
"From an economic perspective, the Malaysian halal industry is projected to grow to USD 113.2 billion (RM 500.4 billion) by 2030, contributing 8.1 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2025 through the Halal Industry Master Plan (HIMP) 2030," he further said.