KUALA LUMPUR, 22 October 2025 – The Malaysian government will take proactive measures to address challenges faced by entrepreneurs in obtaining halal certification, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said the matter will be raised at the Malaysian Halal Council (MHC) to ensure all relevant ministries and agencies collaborate effectively to streamline and accelerate the certification process.
“I will bring this issue to the Malaysian Halal Council so that ministries and agencies involved can work more closely and efficiently,” Zahid said after chairing the National Entrepreneur and SME Development Council (NESDC) meeting in Kuala Lumpur.
The meeting was attended by Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick and Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.
Enhancing Inter-Agency Coordination to Strengthen the Halal Ecosystem
Zahid emphasised that the government recognises the difficulties faced by micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) who aspire to penetrate the halal market but encounter obstacles in securing halal certification.
He said improving coordination between key agencies such as the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP), and the Halal Development Corporation (HDC) is essential to ensure that the certification process is transparent, efficient, and business-friendly.
“We want to ensure that the halal certification process is not only faster but also fair and easily understood by entrepreneurs at all levels,” Zahid said.
The initiative aligns with the government’s broader commitment to enhance the Halal Malaysia ecosystem, ensuring it remains a trusted standard both domestically and internationally.
AI and Integrity in Entrepreneurial Development
Beyond halal certification, the NESDC meeting also discussed emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and their potential role in promoting integrity and anti-corruption among entrepreneurs.
Zahid said the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) presented key insights on governance and anti-corruption measures, including the use of AI to increase operational efficiency, transparency, and cost-effectiveness.
“The meeting agreed to establish a National SME Anti-Corruption Strategy to raise awareness among entrepreneurs about the importance of ethics and integrity in business,” he said.
The strategy will be led by KUSKOP through a dedicated task force, which will detail implementation frameworks, including the integration of AI-driven systems to monitor compliance and reduce administrative costs.
Zahid reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building an inclusive, Shariah-compliant, and integrity-driven entrepreneurial ecosystem, in line with the aspirations of Budget 2026 and the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13) — both of which position the Islamic economy as a key pillar of national growth
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