More R&D Needed To Produce Halal Ingredients

KUALA LUMPUR, April 4 (Bernama) -- Malaysia should focus on more research and development (R&D) in producing halal ingredients, Malaysian Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Mukhriz Mahathir said Wednesday. "As more and more countries are tapping into the business of producing end products, there will be an ever increasing need for ingredients. "I think this is an area where Malaysia is quite strong. And by doing so, we can produce all sorts of based ingredients to make sure the end product is halal," he told reporters after officiating the World Halal Research Summit 2012 here Wednesday. On the summit, he said: "When we look at the participants from this particular summit, they are over 35 countries represented. So it shows that they come to Malaysia to get the latest findings in the halal industry. "I expect that among some of them, they will be tying up to do joint collaborations and perhaps joint development of products," he said. Mukhriz also said that the Malaysian halal logo was recognised worldwide and people knew that the tests were run thoroughly in all the materials of halal products and services. On the National Automotive Policy (NAP), he said that according to International Trade and Industry Minister of Malaysia Mustapa Mohamed, it was at the final stages of completion. "There was only one or two things that need to be considered before it is brought up in the Cabinet. And when that is settled, the Malaysian prime minister will make his announcements. "The takeover of national car-maker Proton by DRB-Hicom will have an impact on the NAP," he said. The World Halal Research Summit 2012, organised by the Halal Industry Development Corporation, attracted 700 participants including R&D personnel, academicians, businessmen and industry players representing both the food and non-food sectors. The two-day summit will feature 12 local and international speakers as well as an exhibition from 13 universities and research companies. -- BERNAMA