Malaysia Celebrates 50 Years of Halal Certification Leadership

In a landmark event marking the Golden Jubilee of Malaysia’s Halal certification, YBhg. Datin Paduka Hajah Hakimah Binti Mohd Yusoff, Director General of JAKIM, delivered a powerful keynote address at the 14th Halal Certification Bodies Convention, held in conjunction with the Global Halal Summit 2024 (GHaS 2024) at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur.

The convention, which has been held annually since 2006, brought together over 300 representatives from Halal authorities and certification bodies across the globe. This year’s theme, “Propelling Communities Towards Halal Excellencies,” resonated strongly with the international audience, as Malaysia continues to solidify its position as a global leader in Halal certification and development.

YBhg. Datin Paduka Hajah Hakimah proudly highlighted Malaysia’s journey from certifying cooking oil in 1974 to becoming the world’s gold standard for Halal certification. “The Halal Malaysia trademark has evolved from a national initiative into a globally recognized symbol of quality, trust, and ethical values,” she stated, emphasizing the country’s commitment to ensuring that Halal products meet the highest standards of integrity.

The celebration of the Golden Jubilee was a significant moment for Malaysia, symbolizing the nation’s relentless efforts to advance the global Halal ecosystem. The Director General emphasized that the success of Halal Malaysia is a testament to the collaboration between stakeholders, both locally and internationally.

Addressing the convention, YBhg. Datin Paduka Hajah Hakimah spoke about the remarkable growth of the Halal industry, driven by the principles of Halalan Toyyiban—purity, safety, and wholesomeness. Citing verses from the Quran, she reminded the audience that Halal is not merely a certification; it is a way of life that encompasses ethical consumption and community welfare.

Malaysia’s Halal certification, under the guidance of JAKIM, has gained international trust, with strategic partnerships formed with bodies such as the Department of Standards Malaysia (JSM) and the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC). These collaborations have ensured that Halal standards are harmonized globally, facilitating trade and maintaining consumer confidence.

In her keynote, the Director General also announced exciting future developments, including the establishment of the National Halal Policy and the professionalization of Halal talent through certified courses for Halal Executives and Auditors. The Halal Expert Panel, a new initiative, will focus on addressing technical issues related to Shariah and science, particularly in industries such as pharmaceuticals and medical devices. These advancements, she noted, will further strengthen Malaysia’s position as a global leader in the Halal sector.

The convention concluded with a call to action for global collaboration. “Together, we can propel our communities towards Halal excellencies,” said YBhg. Datin Paduka Hajah Hakimah, urging the international Halal community to embrace innovation, uphold ethical practices, and work together to ensure that the Halal certification remains a symbol of trust and quality worldwide.

As Malaysia celebrates 50 years of Halal certification, it stands as a beacon of leadership, integrity, and excellence in the global Halal industry, poised to guide the next phase of Halal development for generations to come.