KUALA LUMPUR: The local halal industry should expand its focus beyond food and beverages (F&B) to include a broader array of sectors for global expansion, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that by diversifying, the halal industry could access new markets, especially on an international scale.

"In the halal industry, unfortunately, the focus remains predominantly on the F&B sector. I believe that to achieve international expansion, we must address other critical halal sectors, such as vaccines, which are in high demand in halal form.

"Furthermore, it is also essential to prioritise the sourcing of halal ingredients like lemongrass, galangal and other herbal materials for international cosmetics and other product manufacturing," he said, in response to an additional question from Datuk Adnan Abu Hassan (BN-Kuala Pilah).
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