NEWS: Halal apps for iPhone growing in popularity

KUALA LUMPUR: The Halal Industry Development Corp's (HDC) iPhone applications took centrestage at this year's World Halal Research summit here, offering assurances to Muslims in search of products that are Jakim-certified and restaurants that are halal.

HDC said the halal apps come in three modules that dispense the information in a timely and relevant manner. The first module is a "locator" that enables the easy finding of places to eat within a 15km radius of the user which are halal-certified.

The second module is a "directory" that provides a comprehensive listing of companies with related details that aims to encourage business-matching worldwide.

Thirdly, the "news & knowledge" module provides users with a mix of various information, current news and knowledge.

Mobile service operator DiGi Telecommunications' corporate affairs division director Zaiton Idrus said the company recognised the demand for mobile Internet services in Malaysia, a trend that is largely driven by the increased use of smartphones.

"This market trend and the availability of the halal apps present an opportunity for us to deliver on our value proposition, and to provide relevant, simple and innovative services to meet the needs of a large segment of Malaysian customers," she said.

On TV

The halal apps first made their debut in February on TV3's popular programme Malaysia Hari Ini. Its ensuing milestone development included its launch in the Apple iTunes store, where 4,937 downloads were recorded by global users after only three weeks.

By May 2010 the figure swelled to about 15,000 on the domestic front. This figure is expected to expand by 20%-30% by next year.

To maximise global outreach, HDC has enhanced its relationship with DiGi, an authorised dealer of the iPhone that aims to promote and brand the Halal Malaysia concept.

HDC chief executive officer Datuk Seri Jamil Bidin said the corporation is grateful to be associated with the halal industry through the iPhone apps, especially in light of the corporation's mission to uplift the notion of halal as not being only a religious concern.

"There is shared synergy between the preferred lifestyle of high quality, safety and assurance, and smart technology," he said.

Jakim is the Department of Islamic Advancement of Malaysia. - Bernama