KUALA LUMPUR — Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC) is ramping up its support for Malaysia’s Halal businesses under Budget 2027, introducing enhanced financial incentives and developmental programs aimed at bolstering micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

Under the new initiatives, matching grants of up to RM5,000 will be provided for first-time halal certification applications, while grants of up to RM25,000 will be available for general MSMEs, including those operating in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical sectors. These measures are designed to help enterprises overcome compliance hurdles, elevate product competitiveness, and prepare for international expansion.

As an agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), HDC has aligned its Developmental Programme 2027 with national priorities focused on business modernization, productivity enhancement, and export readiness. HDC Chief Executive Officer Hanisofian Alias emphasized that the assistance is crucial for enabling local halal businesses to navigate compliance challenges and sharpen their competitive edge both domestically and globally.

To complement the RM5,000 matching grant, HDC will expand its Program Intervensi Mempercepatkan Keupayaan Pematuhan Halal (PIMKPH). The initiative guides MSMEs through the complexities of the Malaysian Halal Certification Scheme (SPHM), covering application procedures, documentation, and technical compliance, supported by outreach efforts like Jelajah Halal Malaysia.

Beyond the certification stage, HDC is turning its focus toward long-term capacity building through the Halal Home Grown Champion 3.0 program. Running from 2027 to 2030, the initiative aims to prepare high-potential halal enterprises for global supply chains. By 2030, the program targets:

-110 export-ready companies,
-A minimum 10% increase in sales value, and
-Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting from at least two participating firms.

Support under this program will span international quality and food safety certifications, digital halal branding, product packaging innovation, and ESG adoption.

Furthermore, HDC will continue its Malaysia Global Halal Show (MGHS) program to connect local companies with overseas buyers. Through international exhibitions, business-matching sessions, and market briefings, participating businesses gain critical insights into foreign regulations, distribution channels, and buyer expectations.

These comprehensive measures form part of HDC’s strategic vision to transition local businesses from basic halal compliance to advanced commercial capabilities and successful global exports. Driven by this momentum—and following a 10.9% surge in Malaysia's halal exports to RM68.52 billion in 2025—HDC is steadfast in its mission to help local enterprises capture international markets and support the nation's ambitious target of achieving RM80 billion in halal exports by 2030.

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