MIHAS 2024 Awards Introduces Sustainability Category, Recognising Eco-friendly Practices

By Abdul Hamid A Rahman

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 20 (Bernama) -- The prestigious Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2024 Awards returns this year with a new category, the Sustainability Award, recognising efforts in the adoption of sustainable practices in the Halal industry.

The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) chairman, Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said that the Sustainability Award reflects the growing importance of environmental and social responsibility. 

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“It underscores our commitment to acknowledging efforts in adopting sustainable practices; ensuring industry growth is achieved while respecting environmental stewardship and maximising social impact.

“An encouraging number of applications was received for this new category, the majority of which from the food and beverages cluster, followed by biotechnology, pharmaceutical, logistics, nutritional food and e-commerce,” he said in his keynote address at the awards ceremony today.

He said that through this award, MATRADE hope to convey the message on the importance of conserving the environment to other Halal clusters. 

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“Furthermore, ecofriendly materials are embedded in the trophies this year,” he added.

The MIHAS Awards consist of three categories this year, namely the Products and Services Excellence Award; the Products and Services Innovative Award and the Sustainability Award.

The Products and Services Excellence Award recognises MIHAS exhibitors for excellence in export performance, business recognition, product and service value, booth concept and management during the exhibition, as well as digitalisation in business.  

The Products and Services Innovative Award recognises exhibitors who excel in the halal industry by offering innovative solutions and incorporating digital and creative elements, while the Sustainability Award recognises and celebrates companies' efforts in integrating sustainability principles into their daily operations.

This award also seeks to drive positive change by promoting sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and communities.

This year’s Sustainability Award is B-Crobes Marketing Sdn Bhd under the B-Crobes Group of Companies.

Its medical affairs director, Dr Kaley Oon said the award marks a new level of success for the company while also recognising its efforts towards sustainability over the past 22 years.

“As we expand our factory in Batu Kawan, we are adopting renewable energy initiatives aligned with the sustainable development goals. 

“We are also working on identifying new microbes that can degrade microplastics, aiming to reduce environmental pollution and mitigate potential health risks to humans,” she told Bernama.

As for the Products and Services Excellence Award for Micro, Medium and Small Enterprise category, the winner this year is Nims Adeliciousz Sdn Bhd.

Its chief executive officer, Tengku Norhanim Tengku Othman, said that the award is a great honour for her company.

“This award truly belongs to the entire team. All the efforts we have put in together over the years are the reason for this success, from starting with nothing to reaching this level.

“We faced many challenges, but we turned each one into an opportunity to improve ourselves,” she said.

Tengku Norhanim said that the company has ambitious plans for the future, with a strong focus on expanding its presence internationally. 

“We are eager to bring our products to the global market, showcasing the quality and innovation that have driven our success. 

“This expansion will not only elevate our brand but also create new opportunities for growth and collaboration on an international scale,” she added.

-- BERNAMA