Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC) will strengthen support for Malaysia’s halal businesses under Budget 2027, with matching grants of up to RM5,000 for first-time halal certification applications and RM25,000 for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), including those in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical sectors.
The measures are aimed at helping businesses meet certification requirements, improve product competitiveness and prepare for expansion into international markets.
HDC, an agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), will align its Developmental Programme 2027 with these priorities through initiatives focused on business modernisation, productivity and export readiness.
Chief executive officer Hanisofian Alias said the assistance would help local halal businesses address compliance challenges and strengthen their ability to compete in domestic and international markets.
To complement the RM5,000 matching grant, HDC will strengthen its Program Intervensi Mempercepatkan Keupayaan Pematuhan Halal (PIMKPH), which guides MSMEs through the Malaysian Halal Certification Scheme (SPHM). The programme covers application procedures, documentation and technical compliance, with outreach initiatives such as Jelajah Halal Malaysia providing additional guidance.
Beyond certification, HDC will focus on building the capacity of local companies through Halal Home Grown Champion 3.0, a programme running from 2027 to 2030 to prepare high-potential halal businesses for international supply chains.
The programme targets 110 export-ready companies by 2030, a minimum 10% increase in sales value and environmental, social and governance (ESG) reports from at least two participating companies. Support will cover international quality and food safety certification, digital halal branding, product packaging and ESG adoption.
HDC will also continue its Malaysia Global Halal Show (MGHS) programme to help Malaysian companies reach overseas buyers. Through international trade exhibitions, business matching and market briefings, participating businesses can explore new markets and better understand foreign regulations, distribution channels and buyer requirements.
The initiatives form part of HDC’s broader effort to help businesses progress from obtaining halal certification to developing stronger commercial capabilities and securing export opportunities.
Malaysia’s halal exports reached RM68.52 billion in 2025, an increase of 10.9% from the previous year. HDC aims to build on this growth by helping more local companies enter international markets, supporting the country’s target of achieving RM80 billion in halal exports by 2030.
Source : BusinessToday