KUALA LUMPUR: Halal Development Corporation Bhd (HDC) will help Palestinian businesses tap Malaysia’s halal market.
This follows the recognition of the Palestine Standards Institution (PSI) by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) as a recognised foreign halal certification body.
HDC chairman Prof Dr Mohd Afandi Salleh said the priority now was to turn the recognition into tangible business opportunities.
This is by helping Palestinian producers understand local market requirements, connect with buyers and distributors, and prepare their products for entry.
He said HDC will work with relevant partners to facilitate industry engagement and commercial connections.
Malaysia’s halal exports reached RM68.52 billion in 2025, up 10.9 per cent from a year earlier.
Food and beverages accounted for RM36.86 billion, or 53.8 per cent, while halal ingredients contributed RM21.39 billion, or 31.2 per cent.
Afandi said the recognition covered eligible products including food and beverages, raw materials, cosmetics, personal care products and pharmaceuticals, subject to applicable requirements.
He also acknowledged the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s role in facilitating engagement between PSI, HDC and Jakim.
However, he stressed that halal certification recognition alone did not guarantee market entry, as businesses must also comply with Malaysia’s import, product safety, labelling and other regulatory requirements.
Afandi said trade could complement humanitarian assistance by helping Palestinian businesses sustain their operations and livelihoods, while creating commercial opportunities that meet Malaysia’s halal and regulatory standards.
Source : NST Online