KUALA LUMPUR: There is a need for continuous innovation through research and development (R&D) initiatives to seek alternatives for non-halal products for halal use.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said it was important for R&D and innovation activities to be enhanced in the halal industry as ingredients were becoming more complex.
"Any new halal product will have to undergo rigorous R&D and must be scientifically proven as halal.
"This sector is important as it is one of the major components, critical for the sustainability of any halal industry."
Zahid said this during the keynote address at the Halal Ingredients Asia 2015, here today.
He said the halal-ingredient sector had been identified as one of the most critical bottlenecks within the Halal value chain.
Zahid also said halal-ingredient companies were facing challenges, among which were the limited R&D efforts on halal ingredients and the limited raw materials needed for such components.
"Halal is not about one country's agenda but the concerted effort by many countries.
"This effort will require, among others, structured capacity programmes and an efficient and seamless global supply chain to propel halal from its current niche into the mainstream of global economics and industry," he added.