KUALA LUMPUR, July 14 (Bernama) -- The takaful industry has great potential to continue its growth on strong demand for its products not only from the Muslims but also the non-Muslims.

Minister in Prime Minister's Department, Senator Datuk Jamil Khir Baharom, said the industry registered a penetration rate of eight per cent compared with six per cent three years ago.

"Although the takaful industry is still considered new compared with the insurance sector, the eight per cent penetration rate is considered high," he told a media briefing after officiating the World Takaful Conference -- Family Takaful Summit 2010 here Wednesday.

Jamil Khir said the takaful industry grew to RM3.5 billion in 2009 with the family segment contributing RM2.1 billion.

He said there were 88,895 agents last year, of which 55,898 were in family segment.