Malaysia to introduce premium halal foodgifts

Nazri said the concept was unique as itmeant tapping into the international sale of food gifts. ― Bernama pic

KUALA LUMPUR, March 14 ? Malaysia plans tointroduce premium halal food gifts to boost tourism and enhance the country’sreputation in the global halal food industry, Tourism and Culture MinisterDatuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz said today.

Nazri said the concept was unique as itmeant tapping into the international sale of food gifts, which is expected togrow to US$73 billion (RM284.69 billion) by 2020.

“Premium halal food gifts can be given aspresents to overseas friends and associates, and its shelf-stability means itdoes not need refrigeration and can last longer in room temperature,” he saidduring the signing of the memorandum of understanding between Seni TeknologiSdn Bhd and KDU University College.

Under the memorandum, KDU’s students willparticipate in Seni Teknologi’s efforts to collaborate with halal foodmanufacturers in terms of improving the food gifts’ aesthetic appeal, creatingbrand names and market awareness.

Given Malaysia’s status as a progressiveMuslim nation and the first in the world with a documented and systemic halalassurance system developed by the Department of Islamic Development (Jakim),Nazri said now is the time to introduce a Halal Food Marketplace (HalalFood)programme so that overseas buyers can easily purchase Jakim-certified productsfrom Malaysian companies.

“HalalFood works with Malaysian companiesand Jakim in listing appropriate certified food items on the marketplace. Thecompanies will also be carefully scrutinised to ensure they comply with Jakim’sand international standards. To date, some 30 suppliers with over 1,000 fooditems have already been listed.

“If the programme is successful, it willfurther enhance the country’s standing in the global halal food industry.Additionally it can further stimulate the tourism sector, support domesticcompanies in penetrating the international market, and provide opportunities tothe future generation of Malaysians,” he said.

Also present at the signing was SeniTeknologi’s director Syed Hassan Syed Alwi and KDU’s chief marketing officerSheikh Fahmy Sheikh Mohamed.

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