KUALA LUMPUR, – Special Secretariat for Empowerment of Indian Entrepreneurs (SEED) has urged Indian entrepreneurs to venture into the halal market, particularly in five segments, namely food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, logistics and services.
Its Executive Director, Dr A T Kumararajah said as Malaysia has the potential of becoming a major halal player, Indian entrepreneurs should strive to take a significant share of the market along with Malay and Chinese entrepreneurs in support of the government’s agenda.
“The government wants businesses to support the agenda of turning Malaysia into a halal hub. We are already at the forefront of Islamic finance, so let’s join hands and plug into the halal industry,” he told Bernama.
Kumararajah said although only four Indian businesses are registered with the Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC) out of 800 companies, many Indian entrepreneurs are already showing interests in the industry after realising its potential.
“There is a need to raise their awareness that the halal market goes beyond food. It also entails cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, logistics and services which many Indian companies are already involved in.
“They could tap into the halal market by producing export-ready products for the Gulf Cooperation Council countries,” he said.
Seed Chairman Datuk Ragu Subramaniam said Seed would be organising a halal market awareness programme for about 500 Indian entrepreneurs on Sept 20.
He said the Islamic Development Department would enlighten them on the halal requirements and certification.
SEED is a unit established under the Indian Community Economic Transformation Programme in the Prime Minister’s Department.