Musa calls for entrepreneurs to exploit halal food industry

Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman called on entrepreneurs in the rural areas in Sabah to fully exploit the halal food industry that has been earmarked for further development under the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC).

In his speech at the opening of a seminar on the 'Prospects and Potentials of the Halal Food Industry' in Sabah here, Musa said the government had identified potential areas in Papar, Tawau and Kota Belud to be developed into halal food production hubs. This would not only benefit entrepreneurs but also local fishermen and farmers, he said.

The chief minister whose speech was delivered by State Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Ismail, said, halal food is not only meant for Muslims.

Halal food is of quality and safe for consumption as stringent measures such as its cleanliness have been taken.

He said it was interesting to note that countries such as Australia, China, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines are vigorously developing their own halal industry even though these countries are not Muslim countries.