Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri
Setia (Dr) Awang Haji Mohammad Yasmin bin Haji Umar, the Minister of Energy at
the Prime Minister’s Office, delivering his speech at the seminar. – Rokiah
Mahmud
THE
Halalan Tayyiban industry must aim to embody all aspects of quality and ethics,
in order to appeal to both Muslims and non-Muslims on the world stage, said
Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Awang Haji Mohammad
Yasmin bin Haji Umar, the Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister’s Office
yesterday, during the launching of an international seminar on Halalan Tayyiban
products and services, hosted by Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA).
The
minister said that global food trends of the past few decades have witnessed
the rise of processed food consumption as an important public health issue.
“Some of
these products may even be harmful, while others may just be of low nutritional
value,” he said. “Several food companies are simply unprincipled about their
ingredients, hygiene and safety standards, and it’s no wonder that many people
are beginning to look for purer and natural alternatives.
“Food
that is natural, healthy, organic and Halal has great benefits for both Muslims
and non-Muslims. People do genuinely care about the quality of life, health
nutrition and safety.
“It is
hardly any surprise that we are now witnessing an increase in market value for
global organic food, which is expected to reach $161 billion by 2018, with a
compound annual growth rate of 15 per cent.
“I am
hopeful that the outcome of the seminar will guide us to be more focused and
well targeted. For example, the market for Muslim Food and Beverage in the
United States alone is worth US$13 billion, while the US Organic Food Market is
US$35 billion. In other words, if we want to spread the concept of Halalan Tayyiban
products and services, we need to position our Halal brand at the premium end
of the market to attract consumers of all cultures and faith, besides Muslims.”
He added
that UNISSA’s position as an educational institution, grounded with Islamic
principles, was an asset to the industry.
“It is in
an ideal position to distinguish between Halal and Tayyiban, and I urge UNISSA
students and graduates to strive to be multi-disciplinary, so that they can
contribute to the growing Halal industry in Brunei Darussalam,” he said.
The
minister also said that greater growth in the food industry, combined with the
demand for Halal products, was likely to provide employment opportunities for
graduates from UNISSA and other local religious institutions.
“In order
to succeed, we should always return to the fundamental principles across the
value chain,” he said.
“The
Halalan Tayyiban concept has to be embraced by all. Hopefully, this will allow
our Halal industry aspirations to be realised with the correct strategy and
marketing propositions.
“If we
are successful with our National Food Industry Strategy, the Halal food sector
is slated to contribute at least $5 billion to Brunei Darussalam’s GDP by 2035
by tapping into the global Halal industry.
“This
will have an impact on Brunei Darussalam’s economy and employment, The
government’s role is to provide the strategic direction and enable industrial
growth by creating a conducive and sustainable eco-system for the Halal food
industry, including the entire Halal food value chain.
“As part
of Brunei Darussalam’s commitment to the Halalan Tayyiban Industry, I am
pleased to inform that Brunei Darussalam has so far published standards and
guidelines for the Halal industry such as the GD24: 2010 for the manufacturing
and handling of medicinal products, traditional medicine and health
supplements.”
The
minister also explained that the Energy and Industry Department at the Prime
Minister’s Office, through the Global Halal Industry Development Division, will
work closely with other stakeholders in pursuit of developing the local Halal
industry including the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Ministry of Health,
Universiti Brunei Darussalam and UNISSA.
He
concluded his speech with the hope that the seminar would help to advance Brunei
Darussalam’s position as a leader in Halalan Tayyiban industry, through a
mutual dialogue of the various possibilities that platform has to offer.
Rokiah
Mahmud
No comments:
Post a Comment