Penang: Penang has become the first state in Malaysia to establish the Penang Halal Industry Development Council (MPIHPP), a move aimed at strengthening the halal industry for sustainable and progressive growth. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow stated that the establishment of the MPIHPP reflects the state government’s commitment to positioning Penang as a key hub for the production, processing, and export of halal products to ASEAN and global markets.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Penang is also the only state conducting medical device audits in accordance with all nine Malaysian Halal Certification Schemes (SPHM). Chow emphasized that the establishment of the MPIHPP is a strategic move in line with national policies, including the Malaysian Halal Policy and the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP 2030), which aim to strengthen halal governance in a systematic, transparent, and integrated manner.
The move also aims to expand cooperation between government agencies, industry players, communities, and higher education institutions while driving economic growth through the development of an inclusive, high-impact, and export-oriented halal sector. The MPIHPP launching ceremony was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also the Halal Industry Development Council (MPIH) chairman.
Elaborating further, Chow mentioned the establishment of Penang Halal International (PHI) under Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI), which plays a key role in developing the halal industry through certification, strengthening small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and attracting halal investments locally and internationally. The synergy between CMI and PHI forms a foundation for the resilience and competitiveness of Penang’s halal sector, and the collaboration will continue to be leveraged through the MPIHPP platform.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid, who is also the MPIHPP chairman, noted that the establishment of the council was approved at the State Executive Council (MMK) meeting on January 22. The MPIHPP was set up to coordinate the efforts of agencies in the comprehensive development of the halal industry in Penang.
Mohamad stated that as of last April, Penang had 870 active companies with SPHM halal certificates across various sectors, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, logistics, slaughterhouses, and medical devices. SPHM enables Bumiputera entrepreneurs to compete more effectively on the global stage and improve their socio-economic well-being.
The state government will continue to support initiatives such as capacity-building programs for SMEs to obtain halal certification and match halal businesses with international industry leaders. Earlier, a Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony between the Penang Regional Development Authority (PERDA) and PHI was held to establish cooperation and explore opportunities to develop, support, and strengthen entrepreneur development programs via halal certification.