KUALA LUMPUR (March 3): Halal Malaysia (Halmas)-certified halal industrial parks recorded cumulative investments of RM16.75 billion in the 2012-2024 period, according to the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (Miti).

Deputy Miti Minister Liew Chin Tong said 14 Halmas industrial parks had been set up nationwide, and of the total of 5,484.74 hectares (ha) designated for trade and investment activities, 841.18ha or 15.3% had been successfully developed. 

There are 361 companies, comprising 51 multinational corporations and 310 small and medium enterprises, which are involved in segments ranging from food and beverages to cosmetics and personal care, he said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday.

He was responding to a question from Yusuf Abd Wahab (Gabungan Parti Sarawak-Tanjong Manis), who asked about the ministry’s plans to assist the Sarawak government in promoting the Tanjung Manis Halal Hub internationally.

Liew said that HDC, as the responsible agency under Miti, is conducting a study to improve the Halmas framework, which covers the Tanjung Manis Halal Hub.

“A dedicated study on the Halmas framework development is being carried out, assisted by a private consulting firm to identify challenges as well as actual findings from industry players. It is expected to be fully completed by the first quarter of 2025,” he said.

The Halmas framework also covers the operational method, governance mechanism, and relevant incentives, he added.

He said that as part of efforts to position Malaysia as a global halal hub, the halal industry value or supply chain needs to be strengthened by emphasising the role of halal industrial parks to make them more industry-friendly.

“This effort involves four main actions: enhancing activities to promote Halmas industrial parks as investment destinations, creating innovative support and facilitation services, improving shared services, and promoting business integration through digitalisation platforms,” he said.

Meanwhile, Liew said the Tanjung Manis Halal Hub had recorded investments amounting to RM18 million, involving a foreign company and two local companies which are subsidiaries of the state government.

Of the hub’s 4,040.38ha, 197.16ha has been developed for basic infrastructure facilities, agricultural activities such as pineapple planting, and aquaculture activities such as shrimp farming.

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