Should Jakim Go Global?

As the halal market expands rapidly across continents, one question looms larger than ever: Should Malaysia’s JAKIM (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia) take its expertise to the global stage? With its high standards and credibility, JAKIM has already established itself as a household name among halal accreditation bodies worldwide. But as the global halal economy is projected to reach a staggering US$9.71 trillion (RM40.15 trillion) by 2025, the potential for JAKIM to transform not just Malaysia’s halal industry but the world’s is enormous.

JAKIM: A Global Halal Trailblazer in the Making

JAKIM isn’t just any halal certification body—it’s a powerhouse. Malaysia’s leadership in the State of the Global Islamic Economy Report 2018/2019 highlights how the nation has grown as a progressive Muslim-majority country with a booming halal sector. JAKIM’s rigorous standards—spanning Syariah requirements, production processes, safety, and quality—have become the gold standard, not just in Malaysia but increasingly for halal industries worldwide.

Imagine a certification that guarantees global acceptance and trust. That’s the power JAKIM could wield by expanding its reach. As more non-Muslim countries like China, Japan, and even Europe express interest in halal certification, the opportunity for JAKIM to harmonize halal standards on a global scale is immense. By expanding its certification beyond the 42 countries that already recognize it, JAKIM could position itself as the world’s most trusted authority on halal standards.

Getting halal-certified by JAKIM is not just a mark of religious compliance—it’s a mark of quality that can open doors in both Muslim and non-Muslim markets. The global Muslim population is projected to grow from 1.8 billion to 2.2 billion by 2030, creating vast market potential for halal products and services. For global businesses, partnering with JAKIM can be a gateway to tapping into this expansive market. Halal certification from JAKIM is not just about religious adherence; it’s about gaining access to a market that’s actively looking for high-quality, ethically produced products.

JAKIM’s potential to go global could start with high-profile events like the Tokyo Olympics. Picture this: A JAKIM-certified halal mart at the Olympics, offering high-quality halal products to a diverse international audience. Such a move would not only elevate Malaysia’s halal industry but also solidify JAKIM’s brand on the global stage, establishing it as a go-to source for halal certification.

JAKIM is already making strides to expand its reach, having engaged with countries such as South Korea and making plans to penetrate Northern Europe. As a leader in halal certification, JAKIM’s recognition in non-Muslim countries shows its global appeal. The real task is to unify and streamline halal standards worldwide—something that no other body has effectively achieved so far.

The Halal Industry Needs Global Leadership

The absence of standardized halal certification remains a major hurdle for businesses. A Reuters report highlighted how halal certification “falls below global best practices due to a lack of commonly accepted standards among certification bodies worldwide.” JAKIM is uniquely positioned to address this challenge. By spearheading efforts to unify halal standards globally, JAKIM could offer businesses a one-stop solution for halal certification, greatly simplifying the process for multinational companies seeking to market their products to a diverse range of consumers.

JAKIM’s global vision should be more than just about halal certification—it’s about establishing an entire Islamic economy ecosystem. To do this, JAKIM needs to build robust halal standards, support a developed halal product manufacturing base, nurture a strong Islamic finance sector, and create an investor-friendly environment. By providing a comprehensive, end-to-end ecosystem, JAKIM could make Malaysia the undisputed global leader in halal products and services.

The global halal industry is no longer just a niche market—it’s a trillion-dollar economy that spans from food and beverages to cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, finance, and travel. Businesses that want to tap into this market need more than just local certifications; they need a trusted, universally recognized halal authority. And this is where JAKIM can make a significant impact.

It’s clear that JAKIM has already done much to elevate Malaysia’s status in the global halal market, but its role as a leader can be further amplified. By going global, JAKIM can provide the much-needed regulation, transparency, and uniformity in halal certification that businesses worldwide are seeking. This will not only benefit the Muslim population but also make halal products more accessible and appealing to non-Muslim consumers who value ethical and high-quality products.

For companies looking to expand their halal offerings or penetrate new markets, aligning with JAKIM’s standards is not just a good business decision—it’s a strategic move to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive global market. The halal industry is on the cusp of major growth, and JAKIM has the expertise and credibility to lead this transformation.

JAKIM is already a leader, but now is the time to amplify its influence and create a truly global halal standard. As the halal industry becomes a mainstream market force, businesses worldwide have much to gain from a unified, universally recognized halal certification. With its proven track record, rigorous standards, and global ambitions, JAKIM has everything it needs to take up this mantle and lead the global halal industry into the future.

For JAKIM, and businesses worldwide, going global isn’t just an opportunity—it’s a necessity for sustainable growth in the halal market.