Halal Certification Loan Malaysia 2026
Getting Halal certified opens doors to a RM3 trillion global market. But the certification process and facility upgrades can be expensive. Here's how to finance your Halal compliance journey.
Quick Facts
Pro Tip
Halal certification isn't just for Muslim-majority markets. Many global retailers require Halal certification even for non-food products as a quality assurance standard.
Why Get Halal Certified?
Market Access
| Market | Halal Industry Value | Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | RM50 billion | 8% annually |
| Indonesia | RM170 billion | 10% annually |
| Middle East | RM200 billion | 7% annually |
| Global Total | RM3+ trillion | 12% annually |
Business Benefits
- Access to halal-only retailers and distributors
- Required for government and GLC contracts in Malaysia
- Premium pricing in many markets
- Quality assurance credibility
- Export certification recognition
Costs of Halal Certification
JAKIM Certification Fees
| Category | Fee Range |
|---|---|
| Application fee | RM100 - RM800 |
| Certification fee | RM200 - RM3,000 |
| Renewal fee | RM100 - RM800 |
| Audit fee (if required) | RM500 - RM2,000 |
Pro Tip
JAKIM fees are affordable. The real costs are facility upgrades, dedicated equipment, and operational changes needed to meet halal requirements.
Facility Upgrade Costs
| Requirement | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Dedicated halal production line | RM50,000 - RM500,000 |
| Separate storage facilities | RM20,000 - RM100,000 |
| Sertu (ritual cleansing) process | RM5,000 - RM50,000 |
| Equipment modification | RM10,000 - RM200,000 |
| Staff training programs | RM5,000 - RM20,000 |
| Consultant fees | RM10,000 - RM50,000 |
Financing Options for Halal Certification
1. HDC Halal Development Grants
Halal Development Corporation (HDC) offers grants for certification:
Halal Certification Grant
- Amount: Up to RM30,000
- Coverage: JAKIM certification fees, consultant fees, audit costs
- Eligibility: First-time halal certification
- Matching: 50% matching (you pay 50%, grant covers 50%)
Halal Facility Upgrade Grant
- Amount: Up to RM100,000
- Coverage: Equipment, facility modifications
- Eligibility: SMEs upgrading for halal compliance
- Matching: 50% matching
HDC Grant Requirements
- SSM registered Malaysian company
- 51% or more Malaysian-owned
- SME classification (annual sales under RM50 million)
- First-time halal certification applicant (for certification grant)
- Food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, or logistics sector
2. Bank Islam Halal Financing
Halal Industry Facility-i
- Amount: RM50,000 to RM10 million
- Rate: From 5% p.a. (profit rate)
- Tenure: Up to 7 years
- Use: Facility upgrades, equipment, working capital
Features:
- Shariah-compliant financing
- Tailored for halal industry needs
- Flexible collateral requirements
- Industry expertise in assessment
3. SME Bank Halal Programs
Skim Pembiayaan Halal
- Amount: RM50,000 to RM5 million
- Rate: Competitive rates with government subsidy
- Tenure: Up to 7 years
- Target: SMEs pursuing halal certification
SME Bank Advantages:
- Development bank mandate (more flexible criteria)
- Understands halal industry requirements
- Longer track record not always required
- Can combine with TEKUN for smaller components
4. TEKUN Halal Micro-Financing
For smaller halal businesses:
- Amount: RM5,000 to RM100,000
- Rate: 4% flat rate
- Tenure: Up to 5 years
- Target: Bumiputera halal entrepreneurs
Best for:
- Small F&B businesses seeking halal certification
- Home-based halal food producers
- Initial halal compliance costs
5. MATRADE Export Halal Grants
For halal businesses targeting export:
Market Development Grant
- Up to RM300,000 for international marketing
- Trade fair participation
- International certification (GCC, MUIS, etc.)
Export Ready Program
- Training and capacity building
- Market entry support
- Buyer matching services
Planning halal certification? We can help identify the right financing mix for your situation.
Step-by-Step: Financing Your Halal Journey
Phase 1: Assessment & Planning
Initial Assessment
- Gap analysis: current status vs. halal requirements
- Cost estimation for all necessary upgrades
- Timeline planning (certification typically takes 3-6 months)
- Identify which financing options suit your needs
- Engage halal consultant if needed
Phase 2: Apply for Grants First
- Apply to HDC for certification grant (if eligible)
- Apply to MATRADE if targeting export
- Wait for approval before incurring major costs
- Grants can take 1-3 months to process
Phase 3: Finance Larger Investments
After grants are secured:
- Calculate remaining funding gap
- Apply for appropriate loan (Bank Islam, SME Bank, etc.)
- Time disbursement with contractor/equipment delivery
Phase 4: Complete Certification
- Implement upgrades as per halal requirements
- Train staff on halal procedures
- Apply to JAKIM for certification
- Pass audit and receive certification
Halal Certification Process
JAKIM Certification Steps
| Step | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Online application | 1 day | MYeHALAL system |
| Document review | 2-4 weeks | May request additional docs |
| Premise inspection | Scheduled | 1-2 days on-site |
| Panel evaluation | 2-4 weeks | Review inspection findings |
| Approval & certificate | 1-2 weeks | If passed |
| Total timeline | 3-6 months | Varies by complexity |
Common Certification Challenges
Watch Out For These Issues
- Shared equipment: Cannot share with non-halal production
- Supply chain: All ingredients must be halal-certified
- Storage: Dedicated halal storage required
- Staff training: Must demonstrate halal handling knowledge
- Documentation: Traceability records required
Industry-Specific Halal Financing
Food Manufacturing
| Need | Financing Option | Amount Range |
|---|---|---|
| Production line | SME Bank / Bank Islam | RM100K - RM2M |
| Cold storage | GTFS (green) + Halal | RM50K - RM500K |
| Packaging equipment | Hire purchase / Leasing | RM20K - RM200K |
| Working capital | GGSM2 bank loan | RM50K - RM500K |
Food Services (Restaurants/Catering)
| Need | Financing Option | Amount Range |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen renovation | SME Bank | RM30K - RM200K |
| Equipment | TEKUN / Leasing | RM10K - RM100K |
| Certification costs | HDC Grant | Up to RM30K grant |
Cosmetics & Personal Care
| Need | Financing Option | Amount Range |
|---|---|---|
| Lab setup | SME Bank / Bank Islam | RM100K - RM1M |
| Testing & certification | HDC Grant | Up to RM30K grant |
| Production equipment | Leasing / GGSM2 | RM50K - RM500K |
Logistics & Warehousing
| Need | Financing Option | Amount Range |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated fleet | Hire purchase | RM100K - RM1M |
| Warehouse setup | SME Bank | RM100K - RM2M |
| Cold chain equipment | GTFS | RM50K - RM500K |
Combining Multiple Financing Sources
Smart financing often combines multiple sources:
Example: Small F&B Manufacturer
| Component | Cost | Financing | Your Portion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certification fees | RM10,000 | HDC Grant (50%) | RM5,000 |
| Equipment | RM80,000 | SME Bank Loan | RM0 (financed) |
| Facility upgrade | RM50,000 | Bank Islam Loan | RM0 (financed) |
| Consultant | RM15,000 | HDC Grant (50%) | RM7,500 |
| Working capital | RM30,000 | TEKUN | RM0 (financed) |
| Total | RM185,000 | RM12,500 cash needed |
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Start Your Halal Certification Journey
The global halal market is growing fast. Don't let financing be a barrier to accessing these opportunities.
Disclaimer: Interest rates, loan amounts, and eligibility requirements shown are indicative and subject to change. Contact the respective bank or institution directly for the latest rates and terms. Last reviewed: January 2026.
Plan Your Halal Certification Financing
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