Halal more than just 'no pork, no alcohol' - Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has highlighted that the concept of halal today goes beyond the traditional view of simply avoiding pork and alcohol.

Speaking at the launch of the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas) 2024, he explained that the modern understanding of halal encompasses cleanliness, efficacy, and high-quality products.

“The traditional understanding of halal is no pork. When we used to travel those days, we had to probably ask for halal meat, and that meant no pork and no alcohol.

“But halal, in our context now, means health,” he said.

Elaborating, Anwar stressed that the halal industry prioritises sophisticated processes to eliminate harmful substances, extending far beyond the conventional religious prohibitions.

He added that with the evolving definition of halal, the industry has now achieved high-quality standards that can compete with other leading global products.

Move forward

He urged those in the industry to move beyond the narrow focus of “no pork, no alcohol” and to cater to the broader needs of consumers.

“Excel in providing something more aligned with modern expectations.

“Today’s society demands high-quality products - whether in terms of health or in avoiding hazardous chemicals. Most halal certifications now include these conditions,” he added.

Anwar also took the opportunity to thank the countries participating in Mihas, describing their involvement as a significant step towards unlocking enormous economic potential.

“When we talk about halal, we’re not just talking about Islam. We’re talking about the interests of all Malaysians, without discrimination.

“There are new participations, and my encounter with our colleagues in Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan have shown that their interest in collaborating with us is advancing further,” he said.

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