Halal Applications Now Available For IPhone

 

The Halal Development Corp's (HDC) iPhone applications (apps) took centre stage at this year's World Halal Research Summit, offering assurances to Muslims in search of products that are Jakim-certified and restaurant-premises that are Halal.

In a statement here Wednesday, HDC said the Halal apps offered three modules dispensing Halal information in a timely and relevant manner.

The first module -- "locator" -- enables the easy location of places to eat within a 15-km radius which are Halal-certified.

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

Thirdly, the "news & knowledge" module provides users a mounting volume of information, current news and knowledge.

DiGi's corporate affairs division director, Zaiton Idrus, said the company recognised the demand for mobile Internet services in Malaysia, a trend that was largely driven by the increased usage of smartphones, including the iPhone.

"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.

The Halal apps first made its debut in February of this year on TV3's popular programme 'Malaysia Hari Ini'.

Its ensuing milestone development included its launch in Apple iTunesA store, where 4,937 downloads were recorded by global users after only three weeks.

By May 2010 the figure swelled to approximately 15,000 on the domestic front. This figure is expected to expand by 20-30 per cent by 2011.

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

HDC chief executive officer, Datuk Seri Jamil Bidin, said the corporation was 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. -- BERNAMA