he government has allocated RM28.8 million in the 13MP’s first rolling plan to develop the halal sector through innovation, certification and integrity programmes

KUANTAN: The First Rolling Plan of the 13th Malaysia Plan has allocated RM28.8 million for projects to develop the national halal industry.

Deputy Minister of Economy Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah said the funding is channelled to the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, JAKIM and the Halal Development Corporation.

Approved initiatives focus on halal innovation, technology and certification facilitation. They also aim to strengthen halal integrity, including through the development of JAKIM’s My e-Halal system.

“With the funding and financing support provided, halal industry players are expected to build business capacity,” Mohd Shahar said. He added this would contribute to the overall development of the nation’s halal sector.

The deputy minister was speaking at the Pahang International East Coast Entrepreneurial Summit. The event was held alongside the Malaysia East Coast Trade and Entrepreneur Expo 2026.

He later told Bernama that Pahang holds great potential to strengthen the halal industry. Mohd Shahar cited the state’s strategic location and logistical advantages as key factors.

He expressed hope that industry players would utilise upcoming infrastructure like the East Coast Rail Link. The ECRL is expected to be operational next year.

“The facilities are in place, and the industry must be developed as quickly as possible,” he said. The Ministry of Economy sees that Pahang already has strengths, but we need synergy; don’t work in silos.

Mohd Shahar urged local entrepreneurs to be aggressive in seizing available opportunities. He stressed that these chances should not go to waste for the state’s youth and business community.

 The Sun Malaysia