July-August. 2025 | @ Halal

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who also serves as the Chairman of the Halal Industry Development Council( MPIH), revealed that the halal sector contributed RM149 billion to the national Gross Domestic Product( GDP) during this period. Additionally, Malaysia’ s halal exports reached RM61.8 billion, a significant increase that reflects growing international confidence in the nation’ s halal capabilities.

“ This achievement clearly indicates that the development trajectory of Malaysia’ s halal industry is on the right track and continues to gain trust, both locally and globally,” he said after chairing the first MPIH meeting of 2025 in Putrajaya.

The meeting brought together representatives from 15 federal ministries and state governments to align strategies and polices aimed at maintaining Malaysia’ s position as a global halal leader.

Malaysia’ s halal infrastructure has also expanded, with 14 strategic halal parks established nationwide, covering a total of 200,000 acres. As of the first quarter of 2025, these

MALAYSIA’ S Premium Products and Halal Industry Promotion Event was held in Nanning, China, on May 13, 2025. The event was co-hosted by the Consulate General of Malaysia in Nanning, the Guangxi Department of Commerce, the Malaysia External Trade Development Exchange( MATRADE) Guangzhou Office, and the China-ASEAN Mercantile Exchange( CAMEX). It aimed to showcase Malaysia’ s strengths in the premium and halal product segments.

With the theme“ Amity, Sincerity, Mutual Benefit, and Inclusiveness,” the event reinforced Malaysia’ s position as a global hub for halal products. In his speech, Consul General Ahamad Phadil

HALAL PROGRESS: Malaysia continues to strengthen its position as a global halal hub through strategic development, industry collaboration, and inclusive initiatives under the Halal Industry Master Plan 2030.

parks have attracted a total cumulative investment of RM3.8 billion.

To strengthen industry participation, state governments have been encouraged to develop targeted intervention plans, particularly for parks with low industrial activity. The MPIH also introduced a new framework for Halal Malaysia( HALMAS)-certified Halal Industrial Parks, aligned with the National Investment Aspirations( NIA), with a target of attracting RM25 billion in investment by 2030.

Planned initiatives include the development of a Bill of Guarantees, investor-friendly incentives, digital integration through the Ma-

Ismail highlighted Malaysia’ s halal industry as a trusted and globally recognised sector, supported by strong bilateral ties with China and regional cooperation efforts under ASEAN.

He reaffirmed Malaysia’ s commitment to expanding halal trade opportunities and encouraged more Chinese investments in Malaysia’ s halal sector. He also invited Chinese tourists to experience laysian Investment Development Authority( MIDA)’ s One-Stop Centre, and the launch of the“ HAL- MAS Mark of Excellence” to symbolise global standards and quality.

In a move to enhance inclusivity, the meeting also launched the Women in Halal Industry( WHI) initiatives. Led by Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad in collaboration with Halal Development Corporation Berhad, WHI aims to elevate women’ s roles throughout the halal value chain.

Malaysia’ s steady progress underscores its determination to remain at the forefront of the global halal economy.

HALAL COLLABORATION: Consul General Ahmad Phadil Ismail delivers his speech at the Halal Industry Promotion Event in Nanning, highlighting Malaysia’ s halal strengths.

Malaysia’ s rich cultural diversity during Visit Malaysia Year 2026, further positioning the country as a top destination for both trade and tourism.

The event also featured a briefing by Malaysia’ s Trade Consul in Guangzhou, Mohamad Haris Abdul Latiff, who shared insights into the halal ecosystem. He highlighted Malaysia’ s globally recognised halal certification, enabling

MALAYSIA continues to lead the global halal ecosystem, with the halal industry now valued at over US $ 3 trillion. The Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Cooperative Development( KUS- KOP) remains committed to expanding local participation in this thriving sector through initiatives such as the Halal Success Programme.

The programme was recently launched in Sandakan and offers technical guidance, business development support, and financing opportunities for small and medium enterprises( SMEs) and cooperatives. Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick emphasised that halal goes beyond certification, as it reflects values of quality, cleanliness, transparency, and integrity.

The programme also highlights the competitive edge that halal certification offers in both domestic and international markets. Recognised globally, Malaysia’ s halal standards open doors for SMEs to grow their brands internationally.

KUSKOP, in collaboration with agencies such as Perbadanan Nasional( PERNAS), SME Corp, and Institut Keusahawanan Negara Berhad( INSKEN), is actively encouraging SME involvement through nationwide programmes and international trade expos. These efforts position Malaysia’ s halal-certified entrepreneurs at the forefront of the global Islamic economy.

Datuk Ewon Benedick

infrastructure, and diverse, competitive halal industry. He also introduced the Malaysia International Halal Showcase( MIHAS) as a key platform for global halal trade.

This event reflects Malaysia’ s ongoing efforts to elevate its halal brand on the global stage while fostering stronger economic partnerships with China and the broader ASEAN region.-