HDC to be placed under proposed Halal Commission - Ahmad Zahid

Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced the government plans to place Halal Development Corporation Bhd (HDC) under the Malaysian Halal Commission after it is established, yesterday.

According to Ahmad Zahid, HDC is currently under the purview of the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) while efforts to establish the commission are already underway. 

“Discussions have been held to establish the Malaysian Halal Commission. HDC is now under MITI, but efforts will be made to place HDC under the commission.

“In fact, the Cabinet has in principle agreed to establish the Malaysian Halal Commission and place it under the Prime Minister’s Department. 

“I am also committed to transferring all HDC positions into positions within the commission,” he said as reported by Bernama.

HDC has a range of network, expertise and assets that can contribute to the development of the upcoming Halal Commission. (photo credit: Fusionbrand)

Previously on 16th August, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said that the Halal Commission establishment aims to strengthen the development of the country’s halal industry under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13).

In conjunction, Ahmad Zahid hoped that the absorption of HDC into the proposed commission could create more women entrepreneurs in the halal industry.

“Halal is not only for Muslims; halal is for all races and religions because halal products involve cleanliness and have been scientifically tested. 

“These products are not just for domestic markets but also for international markets,” he said.

The  Minister of Rural and Regional Development also hoped that women entrepreneurs will be given more than 30 per cent of entrepreneurship financing next year.