It is part of HDC’s responsibility to nurture the industry in Malaysia with up-to-date and accurate information on businesses and consumer trends. In order to achieve that goal, HDC has established high-end professional consultancy services for SMEs and entrepreneurs in enhancing their halal businesses. The objectives of HDC consultancy department are:
• To enhance standard of operations in terms of halal compliance;
• To provide solutions which include project plans and implementation;
• To assist other developmental agencies in creating new entrepreneurs in the halal industry; and
• To assist on establishment of a Halal Integrity System within their organization.
With the current trend of vastly growing halal market, SMEs and business owners are known to face a lot of challenges in penetrating the halal industry. Among other things, the key scenario and challenges that are normally faced are:
KEY CHALLENGES FACED BY THE HALAL INDUSTRY PLAYERS
| CURRENT SCENARIO | CHALLENGES |
| Highly competitive market | Few companies with HACCP and GMP |
| Few having export potential | Production of low value products |
| Price competition | Lack of product innovation and branding |
| Vulnerability to price fluctuations in commodities |
The consultancy services HDC is providing are as follows:
1. Halal compliance advisory services, include assistance in halal certification application, halal pre-audit, non – conformance findings rectification exercise and follow – up on the halal requirements.
