Malaysia’s export value for Halal cosmetics and personal care as of third quarter of 2015 topped RM1.7billion, reflecting 5.5 % of Total Halal Exports (RM31.1billion). This is but a fraction of a wider global Halal market waiting to be reaped.

Industry players, manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and entrepreneurs with a focus and penchant for Halal cosmetics and personal care products were today encouraged at the Halal Cosmetics and Personal Care: In Trend conference to explore opportunities.

The conference, a first by Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC), the focal point for the Halal industry under the auspices of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, presented forums and an exhibition that presented networking opportunities and possibilities.
Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi officiated the event and in his keynote address paved insights for the industry and market, and the role of government support in championing the Halal industry.

Halal is not about one country’s agenda but the concerted efforts by many countries. This effort will require, among others, structured capacity building programmes and an efficient and seamless global supply chain to propel Halal from its current niche into the mainstream of global economics and industry.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, Malaysia has also made significant breakthroughs in developing palm-oil based technologies for special formulations of fatty alcohols, as well as other ingredients such as emulsifiers and enzymes. A significant portion of animal-based oils can be substituted with palm oil-based products. Halal alternatives made from palm oil such as coenzyme Q10 and halal emulsifiers are largely used in the industry.

He also announced the establishment of the Malaysia Halal Council or Majlis Halal Malaysia (MHM) to replace the Special Cabinet Committee on Halal Industry Management and Development which was dissolved on 11th February 2016. This Council will ensure all matters related to halal organized by the various Ministries and government agencies are well-coordinated and effectively achieve the desired impact to make Malaysia the leading Global Halal Hub. It was also decided that JAKIM will focus on the Halal Certification process, governance and matters related to Syariah, while HDC will focus on halal industry development and internationalising the industry.

HDC chief executive Dato’ Seri Jamil Bidin said “While most global markets are reaching a saturation point, emerging awareness, understanding and appreciation for Halal food and beverage goods have shown a knock-on effect for this new segment of Halal cosmetics and personal care,”
“Analysts have forecast the Halal Cosmetics and Personal Care market in the Asia Pacific region to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 11.08 per cent over the period 2013-2018.”

“The growing global Muslim population has further accelerated the acceptance of halal products not only by the Muslims but also by the non-Muslims. Consumers nowadays are very conscious of their choices, and halal lifestyle is not only for religious obligation but becoming a trend. This is mainly due to guaranteed safer and quality products offered by halal compliance. Malaysia is proud to have strong cosmetics & personal care products’ players to cater for the increasing demand in this sector”.
HDC will continue to help local companies to strengthen its critical success factors and at the same time to overcome challenges amidst the current landscape.

Participants were updated on the latest status in industry, emerging trends, market potential, Halal certification process, product requirements, and shown the latest Halal merchandises.

The conference also attracted a number of consumers to the galleria of Halal cosmetics and personal care products by leading brands Clara, Eversoft, Johnson & Johnson, Safi, Silky Girl, SimplySiti, and Shokubutsu.

There are more than 100 certified Halal cosmetics and personal care companies operating in the country comprising a majority of SMEs. Among the notable larger operators are Southern Lion, Wipro Unza, Johnson & Johnson, SimplySiti , Clara International , Forest’Secret and Alliance Cosmetics.

Entrepreneur and entertainer Datuk Siti Nurhaliza was also present to create brand awareness for her SimplySiti range.