Kota kinabalu: Sabah's abundant natural resources and strong pool of local talent position the state as a strategic driver in Malaysia's ambition to become a global halal hub, according to Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC) chairman Prof. Dr Mohd Afandi Salleh. He highlighted that Sabah's micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) possess unique strengths and significant potential to expand into international markets, particularly through greater participation in the halal industry.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Afandi said this potential was the key reason HDC chose Sabah as the host of the Malaysia Halal Tour 2026, aimed at helping local entrepreneurs broaden their market reach by obtaining halal certification. "Halal certification is an important 'ticket' that enables local entrepreneurs to access wider markets, although it is not the sole factor determining business success," he mentioned during the two-day Malaysia Halal Tour 2026 in Sabah, which concluded yesterday.
He noted that HDC remains committed to assisting entrepreneurs throughout the halal certification process by providing compliance requirements, technical support, and information on available financial assistance. Addressing the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in Sabah, Mohd Afandi acknowledged that the state's vast geographical landscape makes it more difficult to disseminate information on the importance of halal certification and opportunities within the halal industry compared to other parts of the country.
To combat this, HDC has adopted an outreach approach by gathering entrepreneurs at strategic locations while planning a series of follow-up programmes in districts across the state. "Engaging directly with entrepreneurs on the ground is essential to help them understand that halal certification is a key strategy for expanding and strengthening their businesses," he explained.
Despite being headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Mohd Afandi emphasized that the agency is committed to working closely with local stakeholders by leveraging Sabah's expertise and resources to further develop the state's halal ecosystem. He added that these efforts align with the aspirations of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), which identifies the halal industry as a key driver of sustainable economic growth and national prosperity.
On the programme's targets, Mohd Afandi revealed that HDC aims to provide direct assistance to at least 50 per cent of participants in the Sabah roadshow until they successfully obtain halal certification. He expressed hope that participation among local entrepreneurs would continue to grow beyond the initial target, accelerating the expansion of Sabah's halal ecosystem.
The Malaysia Halal Tour Sabah 2026, organised by HDC, attracted more than 500 participants, including MSME entrepreneurs, industry players, representatives of government agencies, financial institutions, educational institutions, and members of the public. The programme concluded yesterday with a closing address by Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick, who is also the State Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport. Also present was HDC Assistant General Manager Mohammad Romzi Sulaiman.