OIC recognition boosts halal food hub promise

By HAMDAN RAJA ABDULLAH

Malaysia has the potential to become a halal food hub following the recognition of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) for the nation's halal certification.

International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, in urging businessmen to venture into making halal food, said the world's halal food industry was worth about RM1.7 trillion.

Speaking to Johor Retiree Association members here on Saturday, he said there was strong demand from many Muslim and non-Muslim countries for this type of food.

Even in the United States, the people would not mind paying 15% more for food with halal certification as they know the food is clean, he said.

“I hope Malaysians will capitalise on the trend,” he said.