Permatang pauh: Agrobank aims to develop 10,000 entrepreneurs, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), through its Halal@Agrobank initiative over the next five years, as part of efforts to strengthen the participation of agrifood entrepreneurs in Malaysia's halal ecosystem.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Agrobank President and Chief Executive Officer Datuk Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin stated that under the Agrobank Halal Roadmap 2026-2030, the bank plans to assist 1,500 businesses in obtaining halal and Ministry of Health (MOH) certifications while providing RM1 billion in halal financing. Additionally, Agrobank aims to develop 300 exporters with a collective export value of RM2 billion during the same timeframe.
The Malaysia Halal Export Performance 2021-2025 report by the Halal Development Corporation (HDC) projects the global halal ecosystem to be valued between US$9.5 trillion and US$10.5 trillion by 2030, placing it among the largest and fastest-growing economic sectors worldwide. This growth presents an opportunity for local agrifood entrepreneurs to enhance competitiveness, comply with established halal standards, and expand into global markets.
Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah emphasized the holistic nature of the Halal@Agrobank initiative, which offers extensive support to entrepreneurs in financing, capacity building, business mentoring, halal certification readiness, and market access. The initiative dispels the misconception that products produced by Muslim entrepreneurs are automatically halal, highlighting the rigorous certification processes and standards involved.
The Halal@Agrobank initiative provides comprehensive support through Syariah-compliant financing, halal advisory and certification services, training and competency development, business mentoring, product development and branding, and strategic networking opportunities. It aims to equip entrepreneurs to progress in obtaining certification and in areas such as financing, productivity, branding, and market expansion.
To meet the financing needs of entrepreneurs in the halal ecosystem, Agrobank offers the Halal Certification Financing facility for micro-entrepreneurs, providing financing of up to RM100,000, and the Agro Halal SME facility, with financing of up to RM5 million. The initiative is guided by six strategic pillars: halal awareness and readiness, capacity and entrepreneurship development, certification facilitation and halal advisory services, business growth and market expansion, halal ecosystem development, and digital transformation and smart data.
Agrobank plans to continue strengthening collaborations with the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), State Islamic Religious Departments (JAINS), the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH), higher education institutions, and industry experts to ensure comprehensive support in certification, compliance, capacity building, financing, and market access for entrepreneurs.