Sabah businesses have been encouraged to strengthen their standards, including halal and quality certifications as part of efforts to expand into international markets.
The call was made by Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III and State Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, Ewon Benedick.
Speaking after officiating the Sabah Industrial Excellence Awards (AKIS) ceremony, Benedick emphasised that compliance with recognised standards, particularly halal certification, is increasingly important for companies aiming to compete beyond domestic markets.
Data from the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation indicates that Sabah companies remain underrepresented in export-oriented networks. As of December last year, only 261 enterprises from the state were registered with the agency out of 12,742 Malaysian businesses.
Benedick noted that greater adoption of certifications such as halal, MeSTI food safety standards, and environmental, social, and governance practices would help local companies strengthen credibility and market readiness.
He explained that halal certification, in particular, presents significant opportunities for Sabah businesses as global demand for halal products continues to expand across food, consumer goods, and related industries.
“Through compliance with international standards such as halal and MeSTI certifications, local companies will be better prepared to penetrate overseas markets,” he said.
The state government, he added, is focusing on improving the standards and quality of products and services offered by Sabah entrepreneurs in order to enhance their competitiveness.
The remarks were delivered during the Sabah Industrial Excellence Awards presentation, which recognises companies demonstrating strong performance and good management practices.
Six companies received recognition at the event: Brown Eyes Production, The Best Solution Management Sdn Bhd, Twinine Sdn Bhd, Kedai Emas Osheen Jaya Sdn Bhd, Onaki Sdn Bhd and Jetsin Sdn Bhd.
Benedick said the awards not only recognise outstanding local companies but also encourage other entrepreneurs to adopt stronger standards, including halal compliance, to improve their competitiveness.
He added that strengthening certification and operational practices can help Sabah businesses build investor confidence while positioning themselves to participate more actively in the growing global halal economy.
