News From : DagangHalal.com (16 Sep 2010)
GEORGE TOWN: Jeenhuat Foodstuffs Industries Sdn Bhd has invested RM150mil to set up a halal food factory and a food research and development centre at the Penang Halal Industrial Park in Bukit Minyak.
The local marine-based food manufacturer will become the first tenant at the park.
Managing director Tan Beng Jeen said the company had been exporting its products to more than 50 countries, with the largest markets being Europe and the United States.
He said to meet the global demand, the company had established food sourcing and manufacturing operations in China, Thailand and Vietnam.
“Recognising the growth in the Middle East region, especially for halal food products, our company began penetrating the market since 2003,” he said before signing a tenant agreement at Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s office yesterday.
“Since the demand of the halal food in the international market is increasing, the company therefore needs to enhance the demands.”
Tan said the project at the park would include latest international standard production and warehousing facilities, a centre, and a sales and marketing centre for halal frozen foods, canned foods, packaged foods and health foods.
The agreement witnessed by Lim yesterday was signed with the state government’s halal agency, PIHH Development Sdn Bhd.
Tan said the plant in Permatang Tinggi currently produced RM60mil worth of exports a year while he hoped the new plant would double the production.
Jeenhuat, which was set up in 1973, is one of the pioneers of the country’s food-processing industry for exports with more than 30 years of experience.
Penang Domestic Trade, Consumer Affairs and Religious Affairs Committee chairman Abdul Malik Abul Kassim said besides the company, PIHH was having talks with other companies from India, Iran, Pakistan and local companies to invest in the halal park.
“So far six local halal entrepreneurs involved in manufacturing and processing of food products, herbal extracts, chocolates and confectioneries and biodegradable packaging have agreed to set up plants,” he said.
“Besides that, we are also having discussions with companies from Pakistan, Iran and India producing gelatine-related and food-additive products to collaborate with the local companies here.”
Lim said the agreement represented not only a forward stride for the halal park, but also a giant leap for the entire idea of a halal hub in the state.
“Over 300 people will be employed in this venture,” he added.
– The Star Online