Kuala lumpur: The government plans to place Halal Development Corporation Bhd (HDC) under the Malaysian Halal Commission once the commission is established, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He stated that HDC is currently under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and efforts to establish the commission are already underway.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, discussions have been held to establish the Malaysian Halal Commission. HDC, which is currently under MITI, is expected to be placed under the proposed commission. The Cabinet has agreed in principle to establish the commission and position it under the Prime Minister’s Department. Ahmad Zahid expressed his commitment to transferring all HDC positions into roles within the commission.

He shared these plans while officiating at the National-Level Women’s Empowerment Programme and Malaysia MADANI Nationhood Seminar 2025. The event was attended by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad, and Majlis Amanah Rakyat chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.

On August 16, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali announced the government’s plan under the 13th Malaysia Plan to establish the Halal Commission to strengthen the development of the country’s halal industry. Ahmad Zahid hopes that integrating HDC into the proposed commission will foster the growth of women entrepreneurs in the halal sector.

Ahmad Zahid emphasized that halal is not exclusive to Muslims; it is relevant to all races and religions, as halal products are associated with cleanliness and undergo scientific testing. These products cater to both domestic and international markets. Furthermore, as Minister of Rural and Regional Development, Ahmad Zahid hopes that next year, women entrepreneurs will receive more than 30 percent of entrepreneurship financing.