Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, has encouraged small and medium enterprise (SME) owners to obtain halal certification, describing it as a strategic move to boost consumer trust and broaden market opportunities both locally and internationally.
The Sultan emphasised that halal certification is not a burden but an investment in quality and integrity. Highlighting improvements in the approval process, he noted that certification now takes roughly 30 days, down from 90 days, making it more accessible to traders. He also underscored that the Pahang Islamic Religious Department (JAIP) is ready to guide businesses through the certification process.
“Halal goes beyond food; it is a life ecosystem covering business, finance, medicine, logistics, and lifestyle. It represents trust, integrity, and blessings,” the Sultan said, urging all stakeholders in the halal industry chain, from manufacturers to restaurateurs, to uphold these values responsibly and avoid exploiting the system.
Al-Sultan Abdullah also called for strict enforcement against violations of halal certification and warned against manipulation for personal gain.
In a separate message, the Sultan advised women in Pahang to approach marriage decisions with caution, particularly regarding foreign partners. He stressed that cross-border marriages are permissible under Islamic law if based on faith, honesty, and responsibility, but cautioned women to thoroughly assess a prospective partner’s background and capabilities.
“Marriage should be a gateway to happiness, not hardship. Choose a partner with a sound mind and strong faith to ensure a peaceful and blessed family life,” he concluded.
