JAKIM Streamlines for a Stronger Halal Ecosystem

Malaysia’s Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM) has long played a vital role in certifying and shaping the halal industry both domestically and internationally. This role, established over 50 years ago, has evolved to meet the growing global demands for halal products and services that adhere to Islamic principles. JAKIM’s strategies for the halal ecosystem focus on streamlining procedures, leveraging technology, and promoting international collaboration to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a leader in halal certification and production.

JAKIM in Malaysia’s Halal Ecosystem

Malaysia stands as one of the first countries to institutionalize halal certification, with JAKIM established as the body overseeing and ensuring that halal standards align with both religious principles and global market needs. From certifying cooking oil back in 1974, JAKIM has expanded its reach to numerous sectors, making the “Halal Malaysia” trademark synonymous with quality and trust worldwide.

The agency’s strategies include collaboration with both federal and state-level stakeholders, maintaining transparency, and providing guidelines that meet the dynamic demands of halal consumers.

In a recent move to enhance Malaysia’s position as a halal hub, JAKIM, in conjunction with the Malaysian government, has emphasized the development of policies and frameworks to elevate the halal ecosystem’s competitiveness.

50 Years of Halal Certification

2024 marks a milestone in Malaysia’s halal journey as JAKIM celebrates its 50th anniversary, highlighting the nation’s leadership in halal certification. The Global Halal Summit 2024 (GHaS 2024), which included the Halal Malaysia Golden Jubilee Celebration, was a pivotal event that underscored JAKIM’s achievements and future ambitions.

During the summit, YBhg. Datin Paduka Hajah Hakimah Binti Mohd Yusoff, the Director General of JAKIM, highlighted how the country has grown from certifying simple food products to developing standards for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, consumer goods, and even halal logistics. This evolution reflects a comprehensive approach to meeting consumer needs and addressing global market opportunities.

JAKIM’s mission to “propel communities towards halal excellencies” was reinforced by its commitment to maintaining high standards, leveraging technology for transparency and traceability, and fostering collaboration across countries to ensure halal products are trusted worldwide.

Coordination in the Halal Industry

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has made significant efforts to elevate Malaysia’s status as a global halal leader, with a strong emphasis on efficient coordination across agencies, faster approvals, and trade promotion to support the halal ecosystem. Recognizing that the halal industry is expected to reach a market value of US$2.4 trillion by 2024 and grow to US$5 trillion by 2030, there is a clear need to align JAKIM’s efforts with global industry standards and opportunities.

To achieve these goals, the Prime Minister announced the establishment of a dedicated Cabinet committee to empower halal certification and industry. This committee, led by Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, will focus on creating greater synergy between stakeholders and leveraging Malaysia’s strengths in the global halal market.

Additionally, the government is actively supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) within the halal industry to enhance their ability to compete alongside larger corporations. This move aims to expand halal offerings, promote inclusivity, and ensure that Malaysia continues to lead by example in meeting international halal standards.

Strengthening the JAKIM Halal Ecosystem

JAKIM has outlined several strategies to ensure Malaysia’s halal certification remains relevant and meets international standards. These strategies focus on technology integration, international collaboration, and policy development.

1. Leveraging Technology for Transparency and Traceability
   JAKIM is adopting technologies such as blockchain to monitor the halal supply chain, ensuring transparency and traceability for both consumers and producers. This technology helps track the entire supply chain, from raw materials to finished products, providing consumers with confidence in the halal status of the items they purchase.
2. Standardization of Halal Standards Across Borders
   With a global approach to halal certification, JAKIM has been working on standardizing halal guidelines across countries and industries. Collaborations with international bodies, such as the Department of Standards Malaysia (JSM) and the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC), play a critical role in this effort. The aim is to ensure consistency in halal standards, facilitate international trade, and build a strong global network of halal authorities.
3. Professionalization of Halal Talent
   To uphold high standards and keep up with industry growth, JAKIM is focusing on professionalizing the halal workforce. The agency is introducing certified courses for Halal Executives and Auditors, along with establishing the Halal Expert Panel, to tackle technical issues related to Shariah and science. This initiative not only strengthens Malaysia’s halal certification process but also ensures that the growing industry has competent professionals.
4. Global Halal Collaboration and Outreach
   Events like the Global Halal Summit and the Halal Certification Bodies Convention are key platforms where JAKIM engages with global partners to discuss best practices, challenges, and future developments. By creating a collaborative network, Malaysia aims to be at the forefront of setting standards and ensuring that the halal certification remains a symbol of quality and integrity.

Balancing Growth with Global Leadership

While Malaysia’s leadership in the halal sector is undisputed, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi cautioned against openly sharing all strategies and knowledge with other countries.

This approach ensures that Malaysia maintains its competitive edge and leadership in the halal certification process. Overexposing halal strategies could allow other countries to replicate Malaysia’s methods and potentially diminish its role as a global leader.

This is a nuanced challenge as Malaysia balances its leadership role with the need to encourage the growth of a global halal market. The careful sharing of knowledge and strategic information will be pivotal in maintaining Malaysia’s standing and ensuring that halal standards remain universally applicable and beneficial.

Future of the JAKIM Halal Ecosystem

With a strategic focus on technology, collaboration, and talent development, JAKIM aims to further enhance Malaysia’s standing in the halal market. The establishment of a national halal policy, as well as new initiatives for halal research and innovation, will serve to elevate the industry’s standards, making the certification process more efficient and inclusive.

Additionally, the increasing inclusion of MSMEs in the halal market opens doors for a broader range of halal products and services. These efforts align with the global trend of ethical consumerism, making Malaysia’s halal certification a trusted symbol not only for Muslims but also for non-Muslims seeking clean, ethical, and high-quality products.

JAKIM’s Role in the Global Halal Landscape

JAKIM’s proactive measures to enhance the halal ecosystem have solidified Malaysia’s position as a global halal certification and development leader. Through technological integration, policy development, and international collaboration, the JAKIM Halal Ecosystem continues to grow, adapt, and lead the global halal industry toward a future where halal standards are synonymous with quality, trust, and excellence.

As Malaysia celebrates 50 years of halal certification, the country is well-poised to guide the next phase of global halal development, shaping the standards and principles that will drive the industry for future generations.