Halal Malaysia at 50: A legacy of trust

The Islamic economy has emerged as a powerful force in an ever-evolving global landscape. It is shaped by the principles of Shariah and driven by a quest for inclusive growth, ethical investments, and sustainable development.

Among the nations contributing to this dynamic sector, Malaysia has consistently set the benchmark, securing the top position in The Global Islamic Economy Indicator (GIEI) for ten consecutive years since the report's inception in 2013, surpassing countries with larger export volumes.

2024 marks a momentous occasion for Malaysia as it celebrates the Golden Jubilee of Halal Malaysia, the nation's halal certification registered trademark renowned globally. This milestone signifies 50 years of unwavering dedication and commitment to Halalan Toyyiban (lawful good things), assuring quality and integrity in products for consumers worldwide and upholding the principles of excellence (Itqan) and integrity (Nazaha).

Far from solely focusing on economic gain, this journey has profoundly shaped Malaysia's identity, establishing it as a global leader and trusted voice in halal certification and standards.

Contributions to global halal certification
Halal certification in Malaysia began in 1974 when the monarch and government recognised the need to regulate and ensure the integrity of halal products. This initiative aimed to protect Muslim consumers' rights and provide assurance that the products they consumed adhered to Islamic laws.

Halal Malaysia's journey began not with meat products but with certification for cooking oil made from Malaysian palm oil, highlighting the nation's early understanding of the vast scope and potential of the halal market.

Over the years, the halal certification process has evolved, becoming more rigorous and encompassing a more comprehensive range of products and services. This has established Malaysia as the global leader in halal standards and certification. 

Halal pharmaceuticals: A paradigm shift
Coincidentally, 2024 also marks the 25th year since the first Halal Malaysia certification was issued for vitamins and health supplements manufactured by a local large corporation pharmaceutical manufacturer in Malaysia. This milestone is a testament to Malaysia's pioneering role in the halal pharmaceuticals sector.

The introduction of halal-certified pharmaceuticals, supported by the world’s first ISO-level Halal Pharmaceuticals Standard MS2424, has revolutionised the industry domestically and internationally, aligning it with Halal Malaysia's principles of integrity and excellence.

It is a commendable breakthrough, marking a paradigm shift in mindset since health often falls under the “Dharurah” situation, where halal status is not the primary concern for consumption by Muslims. It also paves the way for a more inclusive and accessible halal market.

The Halal Malaysia journey paved the way for this game-changing mode in the pharmaceutical industry by creating a rigorous and trustworthy certification process that mirrors the stringent requirements of conventional pharmaceutical regulations.

Just as the pharmaceutical industry follows continuous improvement or Kaizen methodologies to enhance product quality and safety, halal certification adds an extra layer of assurance, emphasising purity and compliance with Islamic law. In return, the learnings from “Pharmaceutical Quality by Design” (QbD) led to the conceptualisation of Halal Built-In.

Pharmaceuticals certified with Halal Malaysia provide double assurance for consumers, Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Before applying for halal certification, pharmaceutical products must fulfil the registration requirements (GMP-Pharmaceuticals) of and be duly registered with the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH).

This dual approval process by two authoritative bodies, MOH (for Toyyiban aspects – safe, effective, high quality and hygienically processed) and JAKIM (halal aspects), offers consumers unparalleled peace of mind.

Next 50 Years: A future of continuous excellence
The Golden Jubilee of Halal Malaysia is not just a celebration of past achievements but a resounding commitment to the future that values integrity, excellence, and trust. Malaysia's legacy of halal excellence, built on a foundation of solid governance, stakeholder collaboration, and deep respect for Halalan Toyyiban principles, positions it as a beacon of halal excellence to lead the industry towards a future of sustainable and inclusive growth.

Malaysia recognises the growing importance of sustainability in the global halal market. Therefore, it has endeavoured to incorporate sustainable halal practices throughout the value chain. This includes encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly production methods, responsible ingredient sourcing, and reducing waste and emissions. By championing sustainable halal practices, Malaysia aims to create a more ethical and environmentally responsible halal industry that benefits both people and the planet.

As Malaysia continues to pioneer and innovate relentlessly, underscoring the transformative impact of Malaysia's halal certification, it will undoubtedly shape and inspire the future of the global Islamic economy, benefiting the Ummah and the world at large for decades to come.

Roziatul Akmam Osman is a halal subject matter expert and is the recipient of the Halal Malaysia industry lifetime achievement award