THE Muslim population reached 1.83 billion out of the world’s 6.5 billion people in 2018, with an average annual birth growth rate of about 1.80%. Undoubtedly, the halal food trade is growing fast at 20% annually.

The value of the global halal product market is estimated at US$4.55 trillion (RM18.97 trillion), excluding Islamic banking, with food and beverages accounting for 67%, pharmaceuticals 22% and personal care and cosmetics 10%. However, the lucrative market of the halal industry is also facing a huge challenge, as various halal standards are being implemented globally.