The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Nai’im Mokhtar, has emphasized the importance of the halal status of a food delivery service platform in strengthening Malaysia’s position as a global hub for halal services. “bekal by foodpanda,” a new food delivery service introduced by foodpanda Malaysia, is a significant step in this direction that will benefit Malaysia’s people and bolster the country’s position in the halal services-based economic arena, he said. The launching of the platform, which is the first in the country to be recognized as halal by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), marks a new chapter in the Malaysian halal food delivery ecosystem.

According to Bernama, “bekal by foodpanda” received halal certification in December last year and presently delivers food from halal vendors around Putrajaya. By July of this year, the service will be extended to all areas in the Klang Valley, which is a highly urbanized area in the state of Selangor, Malaysia.

The CEO of DHE Logistics Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Sayantan Das, stated that the food couriers of the platform are equipped with special delivery bags for halal products and are given special training on halal and Sertu (Shariah cleansing) awareness. “We ensure that every delivery is made in compliance with halal principles, without the risk of (halal) food being contaminated by non-halal food,” he explained.

With halal certification, “bekal by foodpanda” will provide consumers in Malaysia with confidence that their food orders meet halal standards. Moreover, it is expected that other delivery companies will follow suit, which will not only strengthen Malaysia’s position as a halal hub at the global level but also improve food delivery services across the country.