SIBU: The establishment of the first halal hub at Taman Selera Harmoni here creates opportunities for local entrepreneurs to venture into and expand halal-based businesses.
Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee said the halal industry has the potential to become an important platform in promoting local products to a wider market, besides being one of the fastest growing economic sectors globally.
“I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) and all parties who have worked hard to make this initiative a success.
“This effort clearly reflects the local authority’s commitment to supporting the economic development of the community and raising awareness of the importance of the halal industry,” he said.
He said this in a speech read by the Political Secretary to the Premier, Sayeed Azmee Wan Junaidi at the lighting ceremony of the halal hub here on Saturday evening (March 14).
Dr Annuar added that the demand for halal products and services is increasing not only among Muslims, but has also received recognition from the international community.
According to him, this is because halal standards are often associated with aspects of cleanliness, safety and product quality.
“This halal hub is also expected to become a centre of awareness for the community on the importance of compliance with halal standards.
“With initiatives like this, consumer confidence in local products can be strengthened, thus increasing the competitiveness of local entrepreneurs in the market,” he said.
In this regard, he urged local entrepreneurs to take this opportunity to continue to improve innovation, product quality and expand business networks in the halal industry.
“Close cooperation between local authorities, government agencies, communities and entrepreneurs is very important to ensure the success and sustainability of initiatives like this.
“I hope that this halal hub will continue to grow and become a catalyst for economic development and community well-being in Sibu in the future,” he said.
Earlier, SMC Deputy Chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley said that the council is always committed to supporting initiatives that benefit community development and the local economy.
“The success of such efforts requires close cooperation between government agencies, local authorities, the entrepreneurial community and the community as a whole.
“I hope that this halal hub will continue to grow and become a catalyst for more economic opportunities, thus contributing to the development of Sibu as a progressive, inclusive and competitive city,” he said.
Also present were SMC Market and Petty Hawker Committee Chairperson Jenny Ting, Shirley Ling, Raden Khairulzaman Raden Bustari and Christopher Kelebit Ansa.
