JOHOR BARU: The state is seeking to position itself as a regional halal hub through its Johor Halal Development Plan (PKHNJ) by forging strategic partnerships with national agencies.
Its Islamic religious affairs committee chairman, Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid, said the state government is committed to setting the benchmark in halal certification, starting with state and federal government facilities.
“We have gained strong support from state health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon and state women, family and community development committee chairman Khairin Nisa Ismail to collaborate on halal-related efforts.
“With this cooperation, we aim to ensure that all kitchens in government hospitals and welfare institutions under state supervision are halal-certified,” he added.
Mohd Fared added that cafeteria operators and food providers in these agencies would be encouraged to apply for halal certification.
He said the state wants government departments and agencies to lead by example in halal compliance, particularly in food and beverage preparation, before encouraging entrepreneurs and traders to follow suit.
Mohd Fared said that as part of this broader strategy, the state government is also working closely with Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) to streamline the halal ecosystem, from education to entrepreneurship and business management.
He said he met Mara chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki recently and agreed to form a collaboration.
“Mara has confirmed that Johor is the first state to officially express its intention to collaborate on halal development.
“They have also agreed to look into supporting its entrepreneurs in the state, especially in encouraging them to pursue halal certification,” he added.
Mohd Fared also said a joint workshop would be organised soon to develop a streamlined framework that simplifies the halal application process, ensuring it is efficient and not burdensome to business owners.
“We also see potential for collaboration with Mara-owned educational institutions, including a proposal to establish dialysis centres to support the welfare of asnaf (eligible zakat recipients), with the Johor Islamic Religious Council ready to assist,” he said.
On another matter, Mohd Fared said Johor has received full backing from the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) to push the PKHNJ forward.
He highlighted Risda’s expertise in halal Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a key area of collaboration.
“The halal industry offers vast job opportunities for the Johor people, with graduates from halal-related institutions benefiting from better career pathways through the implementation of PKHNJ,” he said.
