Kuala Lumpur, April 25, 2024, Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of Malaysia Halal Development Council (MPIH), Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, hosted a meeting with Dr. Hisham bin Saad Aljadhey, CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), in Kuala Lumpur. The meeting focused on the significance of integration and collaboration within the halal industry, particularly highlighting the memorandum of cooperation (MOC) established between the SFDA's Saudi Halal Center and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM).
The key aspect of the MOC is the mutual recognition of halal certificates for locally produced goods intended for export between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. This agreement aims to streamline and facilitate trade processes while ensuring adherence to halal standards, which are crucial for Muslim consumers worldwide.
The meeting was attended by distinguished officials, including Saudi Deputy Ambassador to Malaysia Saleh AlBudaiwi, Saudi Export Development Authority CEO Eng. Abdulrahman Al-Thukair, and SASO Deputy Governor for Conformity and Quality Saud bin Rashid Al-Askar. Additionally, representatives from various Saudi organizations, such as the Saudi Accreditation Center, SFDA, Halal Products Development Company, and Saudi Export Development Authority, actively participated in the discussions.
On the Malaysian side, attendees included Halal Development Corporation Chairman Khairul Azwan Harun, officials from the halal industry, and representatives from the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This collaborative effort reflects the shared commitment of both countries to enhance halal industry standards, promote trade, and strengthen economic ties within the Muslim world.
