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The next test of halal leadership
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@ Halal | March-April. 2026
CONTENTS
@ Halal says...
The next test of halal leadership
HALAL today stands at the forefront of global conversations and is no longer confined to religious observance. It is increasingly recognised as a marker of quality, safety, and ethical responsibility.
As demand continues to grow across both Muslim and non-Muslim markets, certification systems have become a central pillar in building trust, ensuring transparency, and facilitating international trade.
Malaysia has long positioned itself as a global leader in this space, with its certification framework widely regarded as among the most credible. The strength of its ecosystem, supported by institutions such as JAKIM, has enabled local businesses to compete in international markets while maintaining consumer confidence.
Halal certification has positioned Malaysia as a global benchmark, but the real test lies deeper: in the raw materials it does not fully control. As import dependence continues to rise, a widening trust gap is emerging, challenging the very essence of halalan toyyiban.
The challenge is not a lack of systems, but the ecosystem ' s evolving nature. As industries scale and diversify, reliance on imported materials becomes inevitable. Yet with this reliance comes increased exposure to risks such as inconsistent standards, limited traceability, and varying levels of regulatory enforcement across countries.
Addressing this gap requires a shift in focus. Strengthening domestic sourcing and production capabilities can reduce reliance while enhancing oversight. At the same time, deeper international collaboration and stricter verification mechanisms are needed to ensure imported inputs meet the same standards.
As global competition intensifies, the opportunity lies in positioning halal not merely as a certification, but as a comprehensive value proposition. By advancing halalan toyyiban in both policy and practice, Malaysia can reinforce its leadership and contribute meaningfully to a more responsible and inclusive global economy.
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Youth mosque initiative Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim formally introduced the Rakan Masjid X Rakan Muda Ramadan programme nationwide.
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Sabah’ s export ambitions Ewon Benedick encourages Sabah businesses to strengthen their standards as part of efforts to enter the global markets.
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Unified in trust Indonesia and Saudia Arabia strengthen their cooperation in improving the global halal certification systems.
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Certified for community Tim Hortons Singapore achieved a milestone with the acquirement of halal certification across all its outlet.
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Halal gap begins at source Malaysia must beging to look beyond certification and address the foundations of the supply chain to truly embody halalan toyyiban.
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Resetting the halal engine National Halal Policy is moving into its final phase and set to be achieved by May.
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The benchmark the world follows The groundbreaking ceremony of Perda Halal Park further marks Malaysia’ s determination to expand its halal ecosystem.
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Halal knowledge expansion The Global Launch of al-Basirah marks another milestone for the global halal ecosystem.
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Halal’ s new power axis Thailand pushes its global halal presence through strategic collaborations and initiatives ahead of Grand Halal Bangkok 2026.
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Hong Kong’ s inclusive turn Mira Hong Kong returns the second time for their annual Ramadan iftar.