BUTTERWORTH: Malaysia continues to gain international recognition in the halal industry, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said several world leaders have expressed their desire to collaborate with Malaysia's halal industry.
"Leaders from countries like Vietnam, China, Brazil, South Africa and Ethiopia have shared that Malaysia has recorded good performance in the halal industry," he said.
"They stated that Malaysia has recorded good performance in the halal industry and they want to work together to obtain halal certification and recognition from Malaysia.
"I congratulate the Islamic Development Department Malaysia and the Islamic Religious Council, who were able to maintain our excellent performance in the halal industry," he said during his speech at the Penang International Halal Expo and Penang Bumiputera Entrepreneurship Assembly held at the Seberang Perai Polytechnic in Permatang Pauh on Saturday (July 25).
Anwar said that Malaysia's strength should not be solely focused on halal certification and needed to be supported by the development of a more comprehensive halal industry.
"We must not only export halal certificates," he said.
"Our strength is not only certification. There must be synergy between the certificate and the industry," he said.
Anwar explained that the world's recognition of Malaysia was the result of good governance.
"When we manage it well and avoid abuse, the world will recognise us," he said.
"When the world recognises us, the halal industry in Malaysia can grow.
"When it comes to halal certification, both Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera companies are given recognition and respect.
"Cooperation between Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera companies in the halal industry needs to be strengthened as well to ensure that the sector continues to grow," he said.
