KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 – The Global Halal Support Centre (GHSC), and information and data centre which aims to promote Malaysia as a world reference centre in halal knowledge and halal-related services, has been set up. Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Datuk Seri Madius Tangau, said the GHSC would also provide support to Malaysian companies and service providers in the halal-related sectors.
“These include halal integrity know-how, information on halal certification and capacity building and investment opportunities in Malaysia,” he said at the two-day Standards and Metrology Institute for the Islamic Countries (SMIIC) Halal Conference here Monday.
The text of his speech was delivered by Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Datuk Dr Abu Bakar Mohamad Diah. The centre was initiated by the Halal Industry Development Corp (HDC), a corporation under the International Trade and Industry Ministry.
Madius said the opening of the GHSC was in line with the strategic initiatives under Malaysia’s Halal Industry Master Plan towards making Malaysia a leading global halal hub. He said halal certification on consumer food products and goods in Malaysia began since 1974.
“The Department of Standards Malaysia, Department of Islamic Development Malaysia and HDC lead the halal management and governance structure in the country. HDC acts as a one-stop agency in the development of the national halal industry which has a comprehensive halal value chain,” he said.
Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, launched the SMIIC Halal conference, which saw the participation of 32 nations. The SMIIC is aimed at eliminating technical barriers to the halal trade and to establish an accreditation system to tap the halal economy, which is estimated to be worth US$2.3 trillion.
