HALAL LEAN IN PRACTICE: EXPLORING EFFICIENCY AND COMPLIANCE AMONG MALAYSIAN SMES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35631/IJIREV.824008Keywords:
Halal Compliance, Halal Lean, Lean Practices, Resource-Based View (RBV), Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)Abstract
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are central to Malaysia’s halal economy, yet they face persistent challenges in balancing efficiency with halal compliance. This study explores how halal-certified SMEs adopt lean practices to enhance resource utilization, minimize waste, and strengthen halal assurance. Guided by the Resource-Based View, a qualitative design was employed using semi-structured interviews with 30 SME owners and managers across food manufacturing, logistics, and service sectors. Thematic analysis revealed that SMEs adopt lean incrementally, beginning with foundational tools such as 5S and Kaizen, while halal certification demands additional documentation and audit readiness. Findings highlight that lean practices improve operational transparency and support halal audits but are hindered by limited expertise, financial constraints, and infrastructure gaps. Cost savings and consumer trust emerged as strong enablers of halal lean adoption. The study provides insights for SMEs, policymakers, and researchers on integrating lean efficiency with halal integrity for competitive advantage.
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