MELAKA: The halal sector is expected to hit an export target of RM40bil this year, says Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Lim Ban Hong.
He said the targeted export value is achievable with the efforts placed by his ministry and Halal Development Corporation Bhd (HDC) as well as 13 other agencies.
Lim said the local halal products have huge demands in China, Singapore, Japan, the United States, and Indonesia.
“Before the Covid-19 pandemic, our halal export value hovered at about RM40bil but dwindled to RM36.6bil in 2021 and RM30.5bil in 2020.
“Among the popular halal products are pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, beverages and ingredients,” he said after the handing over of tabletop computers to 17 schools in Klebang constituency on Tuesday (July 26).
Lim said the halal hub in Serkam here also has managed to secure a total investment of RM153.74mil with RM64.83mil through foreign direct investment.
“The halal hub here also received an estimated domestic investment totalling RM26mil last year,” he added.