By Aida Aziz
Photo SADC Perak
IPOH: The state government, through the Perak Agricultural Development Corporation (Perak SADC), signed a cooperation agreement on Tuesday with the international company Leiner Gelatine Sdn Bhd.,a leading global producer of halal gelatin products.
The partnership was formed between a company from Pakistan and Perak SADC’s subsidiary, Ladang Lekir Sdn Bhd, in an effort for Perak to become a key player in halal product manufacturing.
Specifically, the gelatin industry currently represents about seven percent of global halal product output.
Through this strategic partnership, both parties will collaborate to develop the halal gelatin industry, aiming to increase the percentage of usage and market share of halal gelatin in Malaysia and globally.
This will position Perak, in particular, and Malaysia, in general, as a major player in the global halal gelatin industry.
This historic initiative took place during an agreement exchange ceremony held in conjunction with the Malaysia International Halal Showcase 2024 (MIHAS 2024), officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at MITEC, Kuala Lumpur.
At the event, Ladang Lekir Sdn Bhd was represented by its Chairman, Ahmad Yani Aminuddin, while Leiner Gelatine Sdn Bhd was represented by its Managing Director, Khawaja Ahmed Hassan.
The agreement exchange ceremony was witnessed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Menteri Besar Perak, Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
Saarani, who is also the Chairman of Perak SADC, stated that the global gelatin market is valued at USD 3.7 billion (RM 15.91 billion) in 2023.
He stated that it is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6 percent from 2023 to 2028.
“Of this total, only about seven percent is halal gelatin.
“With the significant potential of this industry globally, Perak, through SADC, aims to take steps to become a key player in this strategic sector.
“In Malaysia, halal gelatin imports reach 2,800 metric tons per year, valued at around RM130 million, with 30.8 percent or RM40 million coming from Pakistan,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.
Gelatin, as a natural substance derived from animal collagen sources such as cattle, buffalo, and fish, plays a crucial role in various industries.
In the food industry, gelatin serves as a stabilizing agent in meat products, a thickening agent in sauced foods, a foaming agent in dairy products, and a softening agent in baked goods and ice cream.
