ISKANDAR PUTERI: The state is positioning itself as a leading halal industry player with a clear roadmap under the Johor Halal Development Plan 2030, which targets 5,000 halal-certified companies by the end of the decade.
Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said that besides being a religious compliance, halal is also a reflection of cleanliness, integrity, and blessings in daily life.
“Johor currently has 3,462 active halal certificates, of which 2,470 belong to registered companies under the Malaysian halal certification scheme.
“This achievement reflects the strong confidence of entrepreneurs in halal certification and the state’s efforts to expand the halal ecosystem.
“Our target is to reach 5,000 certified companies by 2030,” he said in his speech text, read out by Islamic religious affairs committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid, when officiating the Johor Halal Seminar 2025 held at a hotel here on Wednesday (April 10).
Onn Hafiz outlined three main pillars under the plan by strengthening the halal ecosystem, developing Johor as a halal hub, and boosting halal exports and investments.
He said Johor’s strategic location, with access to Port of Tanjung Pelepas, Pasir Gudang Port, and Senai International Airport, made it an ideal halal gateway connecting Asia to the Middle East and Europe.
Citing figures from the International Trade and Industry Ministry, the Machap assemblyman said Malaysia recorded RM61.79bil in halal exports in 2024, up 15% from RM53.72bil in 2023.
“This increase shows our commitment to ensuring Malaysian halal products continue to penetrate international markets,” he said.
Onn Hafiz stressed the importance of Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), launched in January 2024, which is expected to attract RM122.52bil in investments by 2030, including in the halal sector.
“Johor and Singapore’s combined logistics strength makes this zone a global halal gateway. With Singapore’s role as a financial and logistics hub, Johor’s halal products can reach international markets more efficiently,” he said.
Onn Hafiz added that the state also aims to collaborate in research and development with Singapore, focusing on halal biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food technology.
“Johor has the potential to be the southern halal innovation hub, producing not only halal goods but also halal knowledge and technology,” he said.
