HDC, MARA, RISDA IN TIE-UPS TO STRENGTHEN NATION’S HALAL ECOSYSTEM

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 16 (Bernama) -- The Halal Development Bhd (HDC) and the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen strategic cooperation in entrepreneur development, particularly women entrepreneurs, within the national halal industry ecosystem.

The HDC also signed a memorandum of collaboration (MOC) with the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) to enhance the development of the halal industry, especially among entrepreneurs and rural communities.

 Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, witnessed the signing ceremony today.

The MOU and MOC exchange ceremony was held in conjunction with the Agri-Commodity Expo - Women in Halal Industry (WHI) 2026, which took place today at the World Trade Centre here. Also present were the Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad, who is also the WHI programme leader; the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani; MARA Chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki; and RISDA Chairman Manndzri Nasib.

HDC said the MOU aims to empower the development of halal entrepreneurs through the implementation of high-impact programmes covering capacity building, entrepreneurial empowerment, skills training, halal certification, market access, and financing support, with particular emphasis on women’s participation in the halal industry.

Acting Chairman of HDC, Datuk Azhari Shaari, said the collaboration is in line with HDC’s role as the lead agency for the country’s halal industry. “This MoU reflects HDC’s continued commitment to expanding an inclusive and sustainable halal ecosystem, while opening more opportunities for women entrepreneurs to grow and compete at both domestic and global levels,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the MOC with RISDA aims to explore collaborative opportunities in various areas, including entrepreneur capacity development, enhancement of halal compliance, strengthening of the value chain, and engagement of rural communities within the national halal industry ecosystem.

“Through this MOC, HDC will leverage its expertise and role as the lead agency in halal industry development to support RISDA’s initiatives in empowering smallholders and entrepreneurs under its purview.

“At the same time, RISDA will act as a strategic partner in expanding the reach of Halal development programmes to grassroots communities, particularly in rural areas,” HDC said.

According to HDC, the collaboration is also aligned with the aspirations of the Halal Industry Master Plan 2030 (HIMP 2030), which emphasises the development of a competitive, high-impact halal industry capable of contributing comprehensively to national economic growth.

-- BERNAMA