KUALA LUMPUR: The Halal Development Corporation Bhd (HDC) supports the proposal to incorporate the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) Certification compliance alongside halal certification requirements for the marketing of palm oil.
Its chairman, Khairul Azwan Harun said by including MSPO certification in the halal certification process, Malaysia can demonstrate its commitment to both Islamic principles and ethical consumption.
The move will also solidify the country’s position as a global leader in sustainable palm oil production while catering to the growing demand for halal products across various markets.
Khairul Azwan added that countries such as India, China, Japan, South Korea and various European nations such as the Netherlands are increasingly seeking halal-certified palm oil ingredients for a diverse range of products, including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
“The synergies between Halal certification and MSPO represent a significant opportunity for the palm oil industry. We believe that by promoting sustainable practices in palm oil production, Malaysia can further enhance its position as a leading supplier of halal products worldwide.
“In our trade promotion efforts overseas, we have observed a substantial demand for halal-certified palm oil byproducts, so we expect to see trading of halal palm oil byproducts and derivatives to grow significantly,” he said in a statement today.
Recently, Plantations and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani was reported as saying that the ministry will discuss with the Malaysian Islamic Development Department to include MSPO certification alongside halal certification as a requirement for the marketing of palm oil.— BERNAMA