MELAKA: The state government will introduce a “halal homes” concept as part of its planned development for the proposed Melaka International Halal Valley in Serkam, Jasin.

State Agriculture and Entrepreneur Development Committee chairman Datuk Hasan Abdul Rahman (Barisan Nasional - Sungai Rambai) said the houses would be based on Islamic characteristics such as toilets that do not face the qiblah, to which Muslims turn towards during prayer.

He said such homes would give emphasis to cleanliness and purity which were universal values to all races.

“The halal concept refers to something that is pure or clean.

Hasan said there were non-Muslim entrepreneurs who were operating their businesses at the Serkam Halal Hub located next to the valley.

He said the Melaka State Development Corporation (PKNM) would carry out preliminary works for the implementation of the project which had received approval from the state government.

When replying to a supplementary question from Khoo Poay Tiong (DAP - Ayer Keroh) who asked about the concept of the halal homes, Hasan said the state opposition leader should not prejudge the concept of halal that emphasised the importance of hygiene.

To another supplementary question from Datuk Zaidi Attan (BN - Serkam), Hasan said the RM2.5bil project would be built in three phases and would be ready in 2020.

He said the development on the 213ha site would turn the state into an international halal industry hub.

“A complex housing a livestock abattoir and halal gelatin production facility would be built in the first phase of the project.

“This will be followed by the development of halal food industry and a commercial centre in the second phase, and cosmetics and pharmaceutical industry in the third phase,” he said.

He added that local entrepreneurs should take advantage of the project as it required a workforce with expertise and industry-driven capabilities in halal businesses.