THE inaugural Penang International Halal Food & Heritage Festival (PIH2F) received a huge crowd at the Esplanade yesterday evening (Dec 17).
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was the guest of honour, said the halal sector is growing steadily in Penang.
“We thank the halal division of the Jabatan Hal Ehwal Agama Islam Pulau Pinang (JHEAIPP) and the Penang Halal International (PHI) for this achievement.
“They have taken significant steps to raise awareness and draw more people to this expanding market.
“I would also like to thank other agencies which have helped the local entrepreneurs to enter the halal market,” he said during the opening ceremony of the two-day event.
Chow said the state government has been promoting the halal industry for almost 10 years.
“This includes organising exhibitions, conferences, as well as making overseas visits.
“Efforts have been done to ensure Penang becomes a hub for halal products in this region,” he said.
He added that the PIH2F was mainly focused on micro-SMEs.
“These companies have great potential. However, they require strong support and exposure to move up the halal value chain,” he said.
Chow thanked state Entrepreneurial Development, Trade and Industry Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain and PHI chief executive officer Fazil Irwan Som for organising the first PIH2F.
“The state government will always be with the PHI to develop and promote the halal sector in Penang,” he added.
Meanwhile, state Tourism Development, Arts, Culture, Heritage Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said Penang has the capacity to cater to the wider Muslim market all over the world.
“The Muslim travel market is growing at an accelerating pace.
“Earlier this year, we launched a travel guide for Muslim tourists.
“We have been working on getting more airlines to resume international flights, and to establish new flight routes from Middle East countries to Penang,” Yeoh said.
Yeoh also said that Penang has all it takes to become a world-class halal hub.
“With the synergy between the tourism industry and the halal industry, Penang can position itself at the centre of the global stage; as a preferred Muslim-friendly destination,” Yeoh added.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis