PENANG’s halal certification achievements and industry growth have shown remarkable progress, according to Deputy Chief Minister I Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid.
Dr Mohamad (PH-Batu Maung), who oversees the Islamic Development, Education and National Unity portfolio, noted a significant rise in the number of companies in Penang holding the Malaysian Halal Certification (SPHM) certification.
“In 2008, only 56 companies held the halal certification. But as of October this year, this number has risen to an impressive 1,805.
“Between January and October this year, 61.3% of SPHM holders in Penang were non-Muslim-owned companies (non-Bumiputera and foreign-owned), while the remaining 38.7% (697 companies) were Muslim-owned (Bumiputera) enterprises.
“This marks a significant increase for Muslim-owned companies. At the beginning of the year, only 11.3% (216 companies) were Bumiputera-owned SPHM holders.
“This growth is largely due to the efforts of Penang Halal International (PHI) in collaboration with the Penang Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEIPP),” Dr Mohamad said during his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly in Light Street today.
According to Dr Mohamad, the Halal Industry Master Plan (HIMP 2030) projects that the domestic halal industry will reach a market value of USD113.2 billion by 2030.
“Hence, Penang is committed to expanding its pool of SPHM holders, ensuring the state remains a vital player in the global halal market,” he said.
In addition to the halal industry initiatives, Dr Mohamad said Penang is also prioritising religious education development.
“In 2025, the state will begin constructing three new Sekolah Agama Rakyat (SAR) at the following locations, namely Madrasah An-Najah in Kampung Selamat, SAR Nurul Falah at Taman Berjaya in Nibong Tebal and SAR Masjid Bandar Baru in Ayer Itam. The estimated total cost is RM15 million,” he said.
Dr Mohamad also shared that the state government is committed to upgrading existing SAR facilities to provide a more conducive, comfortable, and safe learning environment.
“In 2024 alone, 16 SAR schools were renovated and upgraded, with an investment of RM1,087,266.29,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal