KKDW seeks RM40 million under Budget 2027 to help 1,000 entrepreneurs obtain halal certification and expand into global markets
TASEK GELUGOR: The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) is seeking an allocation of RM40 million under Budget 2027 to assist 1,000 entrepreneurs in obtaining halal certification.
KKDW deputy secretary-general (Policy) Datuk Abdul Kahar Abdullah said the proposed allocation was part of the ministry’s efforts to expand the involvement of entrepreneurs, particularly Bumiputeras, in the halal industry, which has vast potential in both domestic and international markets.
“It is hoped that KKDW’s request to the Ministry of Finance (MoF) will be considered in Budget 2027, as the assistance would cover documentation as well as training for our officers to become certified halal executives.
“Entrepreneurs also need to make the necessary improvements to their premises, such as upgrading kitchens and related facilities, to meet halal certification requirements,” he said at the closing ceremony of the PERDA Expo (EXPERT) 2026 at Midtown PERDA, Kubang Menerong, here last night.
The event was officiated by Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid. Also present were Penang Rural Development, Agrotechnology, Food Security, and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Datuk Rashidi Zinol and Penang Regional Development Authority (PERDA) general manager Datuk Mohd Asri Baharum.
Budget 2027, themed “Malaysia MADANI: Menggapai di Langit, Mengakar di Bumi”, will be tabled in Parliament on Oct 9 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the Minister of Finance.
Abdul Kahar said the halal industry holds significant potential, driven by the continued expansion of the global market across sectors including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, logistics, tourism, and services.
He said Malaysia recorded around RM68.52 billion in halal exports in 2025, underscoring significant growth potential for domestic entrepreneurs to tap into.
“KKDW wants support for Bumiputera entrepreneurs to be about more than just startup aid, taking in the entire growth journey from capacity building and product quality to certification, packaging, and international market access,” he said.
Abdul Kahar said that KKDW is also focusing on helping local entrepreneurs break into global markets through the “Gate to Global” (G2G) programme, implemented by Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA).
He said a total of 132 entrepreneurs had successfully transformed into export-ready companies by 2025, recording overall sales worth RM1.1 billion across various trade missions and platforms.
He also highlighted that Penang possesses a strong foundation to strengthen its halal industry through various agencies and initiatives, including Penang Halal International and the development of the PERDA Halal Park in Kubang Menerong.
