A growing number of Bangladeshi nationals in Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya have reportedly been exploiting their work permits by operating businesses under the guise of local ownership. Investigations reveal that these individuals manage various enterprises, including electronics shops and eateries, while employing Malaysian staff to maintain appearances. One such entrepreneur, Shah, confessed to bending…
Malaysia mulls halal regulatory body to spur sector growth [UPDATED]
Malaysia is taking strategic steps to reinforce its position as a global leader in the halal industry by exploring the formation of a dedicated commission. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz revealed that discussions are underway with various ministries to assess the feasibility of this initiative, which aims to streamline…
HDC and Matrade may merge under Miti to boost halal sector
Malaysia is exploring strategic reforms to bolster its position in the global halal market, with potential mergers and new regulatory bodies under consideration. The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) is evaluating proposals to consolidate the Halal Development Corporation (HDC) and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) to eliminate functional overlaps and enhance efficiency. Minister…
Malaysia tops global halal market
Malaysia is spearheading a groundbreaking initiative to establish a unified global halal certification standard, with Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi revealing ambitious plans to make Jakim’s halal logo the international benchmark. The proposal, developed jointly with Indonesia, will be presented at November’s World Halal Council meeting in Riyadh, marking a significant step toward harmonizing…
Hong Kong launches halal Q certification for approved goods and services
Hong Kong is taking significant steps to strengthen its position as a Muslim-friendly destination with the launch of a new halal certification system. The initiative, developed through a partnership between the Federation of Hong Kong Industries and the Islamic Community Fund, introduces a quality mark (Q Mark) to verify Shariah-compliant products and services. This move…
Faith meets finance: A halal investment expert’s approach to client wealth
Navigating the intersection of faith and finance presents unique challenges for Muslim investors, especially amid global market turbulence. Financial advisor Assad highlights how shifting economic conditions have created opportunities to acquire Halal-compliant stocks at favorable prices, while also adjusting gold holdings when valuations became excessive. His approach demonstrates how Islamic finance principles can be applied…
Indonesia’s policy boost drives higher halal product sales for Duopharma
Malaysian pharmaceutical firm Duopharma Biotech is strategically expanding its halal-certified product line into Indonesia, anticipating significant growth opportunities as the country prepares to enforce stricter halal compliance regulations. The company’s leadership highlighted Indonesia’s upcoming 2027 mandate requiring all over-the-counter products to be fully halal-certified, creating a promising market for their specialized offerings. Unlike other potential…
PMs Russia trip aims to tap Central Asias halal market potential
Malaysia is charting a new course in international diplomacy by strengthening ties with Russia and reinforcing its role within ASEAN, signaling a strategic pivot toward economic pragmatism and regional leadership. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s recent discussions in Moscow focused on expanding halal industry collaboration, tapping into Russia’s growing Muslim population and its untapped market potential….
Cadbury under fire for halal chocolate, denies claims of catering to Muslims
A decade-old photo resurfacing online has unexpectedly thrust Cadbury into controversy, with UK consumers questioning whether their Easter treats meet halal standards. The viral image, reportedly from 2014, showed a Cadbury employee holding a halal certification, sparking heated debates across social media platforms. While some critics accused the chocolate giant of religious pandering, others called…
Hanson secures support for improved halal food labeling in Australia
Australian politician Pauline Hanson has reignited controversy by pushing for stricter labeling requirements on halal-certified food products. The One Nation party leader successfully rallied parliamentary support this week to examine regulations surrounding halal certification, citing concerns about transparency for consumers. This development follows a broader 18-month government inquiry into food labeling practices that recommended clearer…