App to check halal status launched

PUTRAJAYA: The government yesterday launched a smartphone application called “Smart Halal” to allow consumers to verify the halal status of a product.

The app was launched by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi during the Halal Council Meeting at Perdana Putra.

Ahmad Zahid said the app was developed following a collaboration between the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and Malaysian Islamic Development Department under the National Blue Ocean Strategy initiative.

The app will be available on Play Store and App Store.

“The app will make it easier for users to receive information relating to the verification of Malaysian halal certification quickly and accurately,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia would improve its initiative to internationalise halal brands and unleash its potential globally to make the country a “global halal centre of excellence”.

He added this could be done through the organising of international programmes, such as the Multaqa International Halal Authority Board and Halal Innovation and Technology Exhibition.

He said since its establishment in 2016, the council had implemented various initiatives to ensure the development of the halal ecosystem continue to be strengthened.

“Malaysia will continue to utilise the halal brand that is known as a new source of economy through the Islamic Economy Transformation Programme,” he added. – by Haikal Jalil