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Kuala Lumpur: The "halal" status no longer simply means that the food or drink in question does not contain pork or alcohol, says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

He said the definition of halal has evolved over the past few decades, expanding beyond the avoidance of impermissible food.

“The traditional view of halal is no more. In the past, halal meant no pork or alcohol in the food. But today, halal also signifies (food) safety, cleanliness, and the use of sophisticated methods to avoid harmful products," he said when opening the Malaysia International Halal Showcase 2024 (Mihas) here today.

Anwar said halal products can be globally competitive as the certification demands stricter standards than those generally accepted internationally.

He also said compliance with halal standards is beneficial not only to Muslims but also to people of all faiths.

“When we talk about halal, we are not discussing it solely from an Islamic perspective. It serves the interests of all Malaysians without discrimination. In this exhibition, you can see Muslims, Christians, Hindus and Buddhists all taking part as Malaysians, working together to ensure the success of the halal industry," he said.

Investment, trade and industry minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz said Malaysia aims for RM75 billion in halal export value, or 11% of the gross domestic product, by 2030.

He said last year’s halal exports, totalling RM55 billion, played a key role in driving the country’s economic growth. Halal food and beverages accounted for RM29.4 billion of the total.

The issue of a proposal to make halal certification mandatory for food establishments that do not serve pork and alcohol recently made headlines, after DAP’s Seputeh MP Teresa Kok voiced her concerns against it.

Kok later said the controversy was due to misunderstanding by various parties.