FEATURE

@ Halal | March-April. 2026

HALAL MILESTONE: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, alongside senior officials and industry stakeholders, officiates the launch of the Perda Halal Park Industrial Development Project, underscoring Malaysia’ s commitment to expanding its halal ecosystem.

• Malaysia’ s halal certification is trusted in over 50 countries, reinforcing its global

credibility.

• Leadership extends across the full halal value chain, from production to global

marketing.

• Penang’ s first State Halal Industry Development Council signals a strong

regional commitment.

At the groundbreaking for the Perda Halal Park, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi underscored Malaysia’ s long-held leadership. He noted that Malaysia’ s halal certification is now recognised in over 50 countries.

This milestone comes as the country continues to maintain its top ranking in the Global Islamic Economy indicator for several years.

“ This year marks the 51st year of halal certification,” he said.“ No other Islamic or non-Islamic country issues halal cer-

PROJECT

PREVIEW: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi views a replica of the Perda Halal Park Industrial Development

Project during the groundbreaking ceremony in Kubang Menerong, Tasek Gelugor, Penang. tificates recognised by as many nations as Malaysia.”

Malaysia’ s strength lies not just in certification. Its ability to manage the entire halal value chain, from production and processing to distribution and global marketing, is key. This holistic approach enables the country to set an international benchmark for a fully integrated halal ecosystem. The system supports both domestic growth and international expansion.

The event also drew key government and industry figures. Attendees included Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang, Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Dato Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid, Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation( MATRADE) Chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, and Penang Regional Development Authority( PERDA) Chairman Datuk Dr Shaik Hussein Mydin.

PENANG SETS THE PACE

Ahmad Zahid, also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, praised Penang’ s proactive approach in establishing the nation’ s first State Halal Industry Development Council. He described this as a strong signal of commitment to advancing the sector. He encouraged other states to follow suit.

“ Even a State like Penang has developed its halal industry earlier than others. We challenge those states( under the opposition) to develop halal industries on a larger scale than Penang, if possible.”

At the heart of this momentum is the Perda Halal Park Industrial Development Project, which is steadily evolving into a key hub for halal manufacturing and enterprise.

Phase Two of the project has an RM33 million allocation. It’ s designed as a comprehensive business ecosystem and includes 22 single-storey terraced industrial units as the backbone for halal product manufacturing. Supporting facilities include an administrative office, surau, multipurpose hall, toilets, and a food complex with five stalls.

Ahmad Zahid revealed plans for a third phase to expand the development further. The construction of a bridge will improve connectivity within the industrial area. This enhancement is expected to boost operational efficiency and accessibility.

TECHNOLOGY FOR TRUST

Beyond infrastructure, the government is also focused on market access and global reach. Through the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development( KKDW), efforts are underway to connect entrepreneurs with government-linked companies( GLCs), local and international supermarkets, and global marketing platforms.

Each product made in Perda Halal Park will be supported as it enters international markets. Support will come through digital trade platforms and industry events such as the Malaysia International Halal Showcase( MIHAS).

Technology, too, is playing an increasingly central role. Ahmad Zahid highlighted the adoption of advanced tools such as the Internet of Things( IoT) and blockchain systems to strengthen quality assurance and transparency across the halal supply chain, an important step in reinforcing trust and maintaining global standards.

As Malaysia marks six decades of halal certification, its ambitions remain global. With a strong ecosystem, forward-looking policies, and rising industrial capacity, the nation is maintaining leadership and redefining what it means to be a global halal powerhouse.-