Popular Korean convenience store chain emart24 is making significant strides in expanding its halal-certified offerings, announcing plans to certify five outlets each month throughout the year. This milestone follows the official halal certification of its e-kafé by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM).
Vuitton Pang, CEO of emart24 Holdings Sdn Bhd, made the announcement at emart24 e-kafé in Southville, where the halal certificate was presented by Mohd. Rizal Ismail, Head of the Malaysia International Halal Academy (MIHA), on behalf of JAKIM.
Pang revealed that, in addition to Southville, the emart24 e-kafé at Vista Alam in Shah Alam has also received halal certification. “Meeting the needs of our customers has always been at the heart of what we do,” Pang stated. “Securing halal certification is a significant step in our commitment to offering trusted, high-quality Korean street food that is Muslim-friendly.”
He further emphasised the company’s priority in obtaining halal certification for all existing outlets. “With our internal processes and standard operating procedures already fine-tuned, we are primed to get five outlets certified halal each month. At this rate, we aim to complete certification for all outlets by next year,” he added.
Prominent religious scholar Ustaz Datuk Dr Hj Zahazan bin Mohamed, who attended the ceremony, commended emart24’s dedication to serving the Muslim community. “This halal certification reflects emart24’s genuine commitment to upholding the highest standards of quality and hygiene while respecting the needs of Muslim consumers,” he said. “I am certain this will further strengthen the trust and bond emart24 has built with its Muslim customers.”
Also present at the event were Tan Chuan Hoe, Chief Commercial Officer of emart24 Holdings Sdn Bhd, Chang Chung Ho, Director of Korea Agro-Trade (aT) Centre Kuala Lumpur, and other invited guests.
With over 80 outlets nationwide and more than 800,000 monthly transactions, emart24 has become a household name in Malaysia, renowned for its Korean-inspired snacks, beverages, and ready-to-eat meals. The company’s halal-certified initiative further reinforces its market position, appealing to a broader customer base with its adherence to the highest dietary guidelines.
To meet JAKIM’s rigorous halal certification standards, emart24 has implemented stringent supplier vetting processes, rigorous cleanliness protocols, and meticulous quality controls. Suppliers must submit detailed documentation, which is reviewed by halal executives and uploaded to JAKIM’s official portal to ensure transparency and compliance.
To mark this achievement, emart24 will be offering special promotions at its Southville store this weekend, featuring exclusive deals and discounts for customers.
“We are committed to providing offerings that ensure all Malaysians can feel confident in our products as we embark on this halal journey,” Pang added.
Owned by Shinsegae Group, South Korea’s largest retailer, emart24 is the fastest-growing convenience store brand in its home country, boasting more than 7,000 outlets in various formats. Malaysia became its first overseas market in 2021.
The company’s halal certification initiative aligns with its “Hello, Neighbour” tagline, underscoring its commitment to being a friendly and approachable convenience store for local communities. By embracing Malaysia’s cultural and religious values, emart24 aims to solidify its leadership in the country’s convenience store landscape.
