LOCAL NEWS

@ Halal | May-June. 2025

The forum took place on May 22, 2025, at the Centre International de Conférences Algiers Abdelatif Rahal and gathered more than 300 participants, including policymakers, industry leaders, and experts in the halal economy from around the world.

The event was jointly organised by Halal Development Corporation Berhad( HDC) under Malaysia’ s Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry( MITI), the Islamic Development Bank( IsDB) through its Kuala Lumpur Centre of Excellence, and Halal Products Development Company( HPDC), a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’ s Public Investment Fund. HELF 2025 focused on promoting inclusive growth, strengthening halal trade, encouraging investment, and driving innovation within the global halal ecosystem.

Malaysia was represented by its Ambassador to Algeria, Rizany Irwan Muhamad Mazlan, who

MUAMALAT Invest Sdn Bhd( MISB), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad, has launched the Muamalat-i Gold Fund( MiGOLD), a Shariahcompliant investment opportunity tailored for modern investors.

MiGOLD is a wholesale Fund of Funds that provides exposure to gold-focused Exchange Traded Funds( ETFs) and Collective Investment Schemes( CIS). It ensures ethical wealth creation aligned with Islamic principles.

The fund also incorporates Shariah-compliant equities listed on Bursa Malaysia and fixed-income securities within the gold and precious metals sector. This diversified structure offers flexibility, liquidity,

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS: Key speakers at HELF 2025 exchange views on advancing the global halal ecosystem through strategic partnerships and industrial growth.

delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry. He highlighted a 24 per cent growth in Malaysia’ s halal exports to Algeria in 2024, which totalled RM156.3 million. Key export products included halal-certified food and beverages, cosmetics, palm oil derivatives, and halal ingredients.

The forum also explored opportunities for cooperation in halal certification, the development of halal industry zones, logistics infrastructure, and capacity-building for small and medium enterprises.

IsDB representatives stressed

and long-term stability.

President and Chief Executive Officer of Bank Muamalat, Khairul Kamarudin, stated that MiGOLD is a value-driven solution designed to foster financial stability through ethical investments.

“ We are confident that MiGOLD will meet the increasing demand for investments that align with Islamic principles while providing a robust opportunity for long-term wealth the need for member countries to actively participate in halal value chains by addressing shortages in halal-certified materials and finished goods. One of the key proposals included the development of dedicated halal zones to support production, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

Building on its debut in Riyadh in 2024, HELF continues to serve as a platform for economic integration among Organisation of Islamic Cooperation( OIC) countries and to promote Malaysia’ s role in advancing the global halal and Islamic economy.

HALAL INVESTMENT: The launch of MiGOLD introduces a Shariahcompliant gold investment for ethical wealth growth. HEecosystem through strategic partnerships and industrial growth.

creation,” said Khairul.

CEO of MISB, Khadijah Sairah Ibrahim, added that gold plays a key role in hedging inflation and safeguarding against market volatility, particularly during uncertain economic periods.

MiGOLD reflects the strong link between halal investing and modern financial strategies. It reinforces Malaysia’ s leadership in the global Islamic finance industry.

HAJ READINESS CHECK: Datuk Dr Mohd Na’ im Mokhtar reviews haj preparation progress at the Haj Visa Processing Unit in Kuala Lumpur.

MALAYSIA has become the first country in the world authorised by the Saudi Arabian government to distribute Nusuk Cards domestically to its hajj pilgrims. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the global Islamic and halal ecosystem.

In previous years, the cards were only issued upon arrival in Makkah. However, beginning this hajj season, they will be distributed in Malaysia before pilgrims depart for the Holy Land. This move is expected to ease the movement of pilgrims and streamline identification processes.

The initiative is a recognition of Malaysia’ s highly efficient haj management system, led by Lembaga Tabung haji( TH) in close collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

The Nusuk Card, introduced by the Saudi Ministry, functions as the official identification document for hajj pilgrims worldwide. It grants access to key holy sites, including Masjidil haram in Makkah and the Prophet’ s Mosque in Madinah.

The updated version of the card is now equipped with a QR code and advanced security features to prevent forgery and ensure the safety of the cardholders’ data.

Minister in the Prime Minister’ s Department( Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na’ im Mokhtar, praised the Saudi authorities for their trust and highlighted the potential for this initiative to be extended to other countries.

He also confirmed that TH was very prepared for the 1446H / 2025 haj season, with 632 personnel assigned, including welfare and medical teams.

Malaysia has been allocated a hajj quota of 31,600 pilgrims this year. All pilgrims will travel via 100 special chartered flights by AMAL( Malaysia Airlines) and Saudi Airlines. This advancement positions Malaysia as a key leader in Islamic pilgrimage services, reinforcing its role in strengthening the global halal and Islamic economy.-