KUALA LUMPUR: Halal certification by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department has been shortened to 15 working days, with complete documentation.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the process had been expedited from 90 to 30 days.
Speaking at the launch of World Halal Business Conference (WHBC) 2024 today, Zahid said the National Halal Digital Platform (NHDP) will make the halal certification process simpler and faster.
"We must leverage technology and research to develop products and services for the future.
"Moreover, Malaysia is at the forefront of digital innovation in the halal sector with the National Halal Digital Platform (NHDP), which will streamline and simplify the halal certification process from start to finish," he said.
He said the platform would incorporate technologies like blockchain, AI, and IoT to boost transparency, traceability, and efficiency in Malaysia's halal ecosystem, setting a global standard.
Zahid also emphasised the importance of developing skilled halal auditors who possess the technical expertise to ensure the authenticity and integrity of halal practices.
Zahid when met later said measures to increase the number of experts in halal certifcation, said this is also in line with Jakim's efforts to expedite its halal certification issuance.
"Jakim has asked to add more officials in halal (sector), such as supervisors and auditors, with some TVET institutes already following syllabus that it provides."
It will be good if these graduates have knowledge and they can be used to outsource (the process) and speed up the halal certification issuance."
Meanwhile, Zahid said the Halal Industry Core Sector Insights Report, which he launched at the event, is part of the Halal Sectoral Roadmap, to further develop a robust halal ecosystem.
He said it provides insight latest developments and key initiatives in Malaysia's expanding halal economy, focusing on two major clusters, namely, food & beverage (F&B) and healthcare.