Challenges and Opportunities in the Halal Pharmaceutical Industry in Malaysia

: Following the global significance of halal pharmaceutical products, Malaysia has positioned itself as a key manufacturer to increase industrial demand. This study examines Malaysia's halal pharmaceutical industry by internalizing consumer preferences for halal pharmaceuticals and the associated complexities. The data derived from literature reviews were subjected to documentation analysis. Consumer preference was substantially influenced by religious beliefs, product quality, and health concerns. Halal certification, cross-contamination concerns, and regulatory compliance were the key issues underlying halal pharmaceutical products. Overall, this empirical work expanded the current literature with pivotal insights into the future developments of halal pharmaceuticals in Malaysia. Industry players, policymakers, and stakeholders can utilize such knowledge to develop strategies that enhance the halal pharmaceutical industry and meet Muslim consumers’ preferences.


Introduction
The recent demand for halal-certified products among the global Muslim population has increased the number of halal pharmaceutical products in Malaysia (Norazmi & Li Sze, 2015;Yvonne, Ab Ghani, A. Navamukundan, Jahis, & Gamil, 2019).In other words, the demand for halal pharmaceuticals is evident worldwide (Hussein, 2016), specifically among Muslim consumers.Compared to its previous valuation of US$94 billion in 2019, the halal pharmaceutical industry worldwide could reach US$105 billion by 2024 (MIDA, 2021).Javeed, Mohamed Mokhtar, & Lebai (2018) and Ab Latiff, Zakaria, & Man (2021) explained that Muslim consumers gravitate towards Shariah-compliant products with specific dietary requirements and religious beliefs.Having transcended its religious role, the halal concept is currently a standard preferred by both Muslims and non-Muslims (Ambali & Bakar, 2014;Hiong Lim, Suddin, Rahat, & Abdul Adis, 2016;Haque, Kabir, Tarofder, Yasmi, & Mhm, 2019).In this regard, Malaysia has domestically and globally expanded the halal pharmaceutical industry (Muhamad Suhaini, 2022;Abdul-Talib & Abd-Razak , 2013;Whitehead, 2021).Consumer preferences for halal pharmaceutical products, associated challenges, and the future direction of the halal pharmaceutical industry in Malaysia were examined in this study.The elicited results expanded the current body of literature on the halal pharmaceuticals industry in Malaysia and facilitated stakeholders, policymakers, and industry players to make informed decisions.

Methodology
This qualitative work comprehensively analyzed current publications (including journals and other pertinent periodicals) on the halal pharmaceutical industry to internalize consumers' selection of halal pharmaceutical products, associated issues, and future developments in Malaysia.These articles were analyzed to extract information, determine key themes, and derive key outcomes.This analysis was built on the foundation laid by past scholars and added to the current body of literature.

Consumer Preferences for Halal Pharmaceutical Products
Halal pharmaceutical product selection is influenced by various factors.For example, religious beliefs significantly impacted consumer preferences in choosing halal pharmaceutical products.Those abiding by Islamic dietary restrictions prefer products that (i) fulfil halal requirements (Awan, Siddiquei, & Haider, 2015;Tatiek & Hendar, 2020;Vanany, Mei Soon, Maryani, & Wibawa, 2020) and (ii) use Shariah-compliant ingredients and (iii) manufacturing, processing, and labelling practices (Norazmi & Li Sze, 2015).It is vital for Muslim consumers seeking halal pharmaceutical products to fulfil these prerequisites.Following the significance of religious beliefs in the decision-making process, consumers who ensure that the manufacturing procedures comply with halal standards, the ingredients used are permissible, and the product labelling corresponds to halal status can use halal pharmaceutical products that meet their religious obligations (Saha, Rifat, & Shimanto, 2019;Norazmi & Li Sze, 2015).Halal-conscious consumers actively authenticate a product's halal certification pre-purchase to meet religious beliefs and health requirements.
Quality and safety are also considered during halal pharmaceutical product selection.Consumers are aware of the need to practice rigorous quality standards when selecting products to sustain their health and well-being.Halal certification assures consumers of product safety and efficacy (Rahim, 2017;Maison, Marchlewska, Dewi Syarifah, Zein, & Purba, 2018).For example, halal-certified pharmaceuticals implement stringent quality control measures in the manufacturing process (prohibiting pork-or alcohol-based ingredients) to ensure optimal quality standards (Mukhtar & Butt, 2012).Consumers who acknowledge this certification as an embodiment of quality and safety develop a high level of trust in these pharmaceuticals (Ab Talib, Md Sawari, Abdul Hamid, & Ai Chin, 2016;Atieqoh, Waseso, & Hamidi, 2023).Only a carefully examined pharmaceutical product that meets certain prerequisites is awarded halal certification.Thus, consumers prioritize halalcertified products over non-certified ones.This preference ensures their Shariah compliance while also maintaining their health and safety.Consumers can trust in these products' quality and effectiveness, which reflect their choices and values.
People who prioritize well-being actively seek products that reflect their health standards and religious beliefs (Saha, Rifat, & Shimanto, 2019).As such, consumers' emphasis on health and wellness has substantially influenced their preference for halal pharmaceutical products (Vizano, et al., 2020).Much emphasis is placed on a product's Shariah compliance in addition to its efficacy (Suryani & Ahkman, 2020).Thus, Shariahcompliant pharmaceutical products with health benefits have garnered much popularity among halalconscious consumers (Kasri, Ahsan, Widiatmoko, & Hati, 2023).Commonly regarded as solutions that holistically address physical and spiritual well-being, these products are perceived to fulfil health objectives while adhering to religious tenets (Abdalla, 2019;N.A. Vizano, et al., 2020).Consumers' preference for halal pharmaceutical products stems from their obligation to Islamic tenets.Overall, consumers are reassured of and satisfied with halal pharmaceutical products that fulfil health and religious requirements (Hehanussa, 2022).Such standards allow consumers to prioritize their health and well-being while making decisions that parallel individual beliefs and values.

Challenges in Halal Pharmaceutical
Distinctive attributes of the halal pharmaceutical industry render it challenging to ensure its adherence to halal standards.These conundrums adversely affect halal pharmaceutical product elements, such as the manufacturing process, certification procedures, and consumers' product perceptions.Notably, the authentication of pharmaceutical ingredients is a key concern.Pharmaceutical formulations include a diverse range of active and inactive components, some of which may originate from animal sources.Thus, pharmaceuticals that label their products as halal must perform extensive documentation and compliance monitoring to ensure that all ingredients and manufacturing procedures comply with the necessary standards (Norazmi & Li Sze, 2015).Deemed a meticulous and time-consuming process, the sourcing and manufacturing of each ingredient must be extensively examined and verified to ensure its halal standards (Zehra & Naqvi, 2017).Pharmaceutical products' halal integrity is hampered by cross-contamination.For example, manufacturing facilities that produce both halal and non-halal products pose cross-contamination risks.The development of unique halal pharmaceutical products proves complex following the need to identify halal alternatives for ingredients sourced from non-halal origins or those containing potentially non-halal additives.Consequently, holistic studies, resource allocation to create and apply advanced technologies, and collaboration with halal science experts must be seriously considered (Mohezar, Zailani, & Zainuddin, 2016).Stringent measures involving distinct production lines, dedicated equipment, and strict cleaning protocols should also be implemented throughout the manufacturing process to lower contamination risks.Such precautions can prevent unintentional contamination and uphold the end products' halal integrity (Noronha, 2020).
Certification requirements and the interpretation of halal requirements also hamper halal pharmaceuticals (Mahidin, Othman, & Mohd Saifudin, 2016;Jaswir, 2019).The tedious and time-consuming process of obtaining halal certification for pharmaceutical products and the presence of diverse certifying bodies or authorities with distinct halal compliance criteria are challenging due to strict requirements (E Azam & Abdullah, 2021).Such variations can lead to discrepancies in halal labelling standards, specifically for globally marketed pharmaceutical products.Standard guidelines must be developed via harmonization and standardization to ensure consistent and reliable halal certification across different regions and regulatory frameworks (Annabi & Ibidapo-Obe, 2017).
Halal labelling for pharmaceutical products must meet regulatory compliance under the purview of the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM).This regulatory body is responsible for halal certifications in Malaysia.As such, local pharmaceuticals must follow JAKIM regulations to obtain halal certification.Despite being complex and time-consuming, it is vital to comply with specific nations' halal regulations and certification requirements by understanding and fulfilling the diverse regulatory frameworks and documentation requirements of different jurisdictions (Eun Kyeong, Hee-Yul, & Dong-Hwan, 2020).

Future Directions of Halal Pharmaceutical Products in Malaysia:
Halal pharmaceutical products in Malaysia must exercise focus and strategic planning in several key areas.First, the regulatory framework underpinning halal pharmaceuticals must be constantly upgraded.Holistic and globally recognized halal standards must also be developed in line with the pharmaceutical industry (Mohd Fauzi, Ab Rahman, Wan Hassin, & Shah Shahara, 2020).These measures require regulatory bodies, industry stakeholders, and Islamic scholars to collectively ensure halal pharmaceutical product compliance and integrity and improve consumer confidence and trust (Baker , Bayirli, & Zakzouk, 2020).For example, stakeholders can address relevant challenges, leverage resources, and optimize the industry.Halal pharmaceutical products' compliance and integrity can be enhanced with high halal standards.
Second, halal pharmaceutical products' growth and advancement depend on significant research and development (R&D) investments (Muhamad Zain, Nor Muhamad, Che Yaacob, & Sayed Ahmad, 2017).Novel halal options, procedures, and technologies can improve production quality and efficiency via ongoing research and innovation (Zehra & Naqvi, 2017).Government bodies that offer financial assistance, tax exemptions, and additional incentives to enterprises that allocate resources for R&D are key to leveraging the halal pharmaceutical sector.Research centers and universities focusing on halal pharmaceutical research can also be established.Meanwhile, the industry and academia can exchange resources and expertise to develop unique halal products.Both governments and pharmaceutical companies can expand and develop the halal pharmaceutical industry via R&D investments.
Third, Malaysia can broaden the market scope and examine export prospects by functioning as a global hub for halal pharmaceutical products (Mazlan & Hamzah, 2015).Relevant government bodies can establish mutual recognition agreements on halal pharmaceutical product certification with other countries to export halal pharmaceuticals.These products can be promoted at global halal conferences and exhibitions to widen the customer base.Overall, Malaysia can provide new employment opportunities and strengthen the national economy by establishing itself as a global halal pharmaceutical industry.

Conclusion and Suggestions
Key stakeholders must collaborate to attain future goals in the halal pharmaceutical industry.In ensuring global recognition tailored to the pharmaceutical sector, regulatory bodies should continuously refine halal standards.Certifying authorities must perform harmonization to minimize discrepancies in halal labelling standards for globally distributed products.Strong support from research institutions is key to driving pharmaceutical innovations and advancements.Consumer advocacy groups also play a pivotal role in increasing awareness and educating consumers, who can be empowered to make informed choices.The essentiality of religious compliance, quality, and safety must also be emphasized.Guided by shared objectives, this collective effort can optimize the local industry while positioning Malaysia as a global leader in halal pharmaceuticals.Collaborative governance, innovative research, and the commitment to meet different consumer preferences in halal pharmaceutical products are key to positioning Malaysia as a global industry player.Such strategic measures increase industry growth, resilience, and worldwide recognition.