KUANTAN: Pahang will intensify its effort to ensure that more entrepreneurs in the state obtain halal certification and produce a greater variety of halal food products for the local market and export.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said this was in view of the high demand for halal food products among consumers worldwide.
"It is undeniable that halal certification is important at the international level because consumers will feel more assured, especially regarding food ingredients, and the same applies to our country.
"When opening the 2023 Global Halal Summit, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim called for improvements in this aspect and in Pahang, there is still room for enhancing the production of halal food products and halal certification," he told reporters after officiating the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Pahang State Farmers' Organisation (PASFA) here last night (September 12).
Wan Rosdy also stressed on the state government's commitment towards this effort, especially considering that Pahang is one of the largest vegetable producers in the country, particularly in Cameron Highlands.
Commenting about the event, he encouraged PASPA to diversify its crops and not only focus on oil palm cultivation as the organisation's source of income.
"The changing weather pattern has impacted the country's food supply. Therefore, PASPA can play a role by cultivating various vegetables and fruits to meet people's needs.
"As the state government, we are willing to provide suitable land, and if successful, it will definitely bring more benefits to PASPA's 70 members," he said. – Bernama