PM’S VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA TO ENHANCE BILATERAL HALAL COOPERATION - MOHD NA’IM

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 22 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s working visit to South Africa from Nov 20 to 23 is expected to further strengthen strategic cooperation between both nations, particularly in halal management, capacity building and industry innovation.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said the visit not only reinforces Malaysia’s position as a global halal leader, but also supports the development of the global halal ecosystem in a sustainable and inclusive manner.

“I am pleased to share that relations between Malaysia and South Africa in the halal sector have long been established through the recognition of three foreign halal certification bodies by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), namely the National Independent Halaal Trust (NIHT) in Johannesburg, the South African National Halaal Authority (SANHA) in Kwazulu Natal and the Muslim Judicial Council Halaal Trust (MJCHT) in Cape Town.

“This recognition is proof of the government’s continuous commitment to expanding halal assurance at the global level,” he said in a Facebook post today.

Mohd Na’im said JAKIM remained committed to sharing its expertise through capacity building, upskilling and knowledge sharing to support the sustainability of the global halal ecosystem, in line with Malaysia’s aspiration to strengthen the international halal network.

He added that Anwar’s visit to South Africa, at the invitation of President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is also the G20 president for 2025, will also include engagement sessions with local Islamic leaders to discuss collaboration in strengthening ummah development worldwide.

The Prime Minister is now continuing his tour of the African continent, with South Africa being the second stop in conjunction with the G20 Leaders’ Summit.

-- BERNAMA