By Elvina Ting & Raihanah Reduan
KUCHING: Applications for halal certification in Sarawak is on an upward trend with 490 applications recorded as of June 29 this year.
JAIS Director Mual Suaud said this reflects a positive growth momentum and the commitment of business operators to comply with Malaysian halal standards.
“A total of 203 have successfully obtained the certification, one application was unsuccessful, 158 applications were rejected for failing to meet the certification requirements and conditions, while another 128 applications are still under evaluation,” he said during the presentation of the halal certificate to the Tas-Tin eatery at the Spring Mall here, Tuesday (June 30).
“Analysis by scheme shows that food products accounted for the most with 247 applications or 50.4 per cent, followed by food premises with 214 applications or 43.7 per cent,” he said.
As of June 29, Sarawak recorded 1,182 active halal cetificate holders comprising 612 food premises, 498 food products, 37 OEM, 23 slaughterhouses, 10 logistics, and two consumer goods reflecting a stronger halal ecosystem in the state.
Mual added that halal certification should be viewed as a driver of growth rather than merely a compliance instrument as Malaysia’s halal ingredient exports reached RM94.76 billion between 2021 and 2025 with a growth of 58.5 per cent.
“Businesses should seize the opportunities created by the rapid growth of the halal industry, particularly in export markets across Asia and the Middle East.
“JAIS together with Majlis Islam Sarawak will continue strengthening halal certification governance through integrity, professionalism, and continuous improvement,” he said.
