COVER STORY 09 landscape is becoming increasingly competitive as the emergence of diverse halal standards and certification bodies worldwide presents challenges.
May-June. 2025 | @ Halal
COVER STORY 09 landscape is becoming increasingly competitive as the emergence of diverse halal standards and certification bodies worldwide presents challenges.
“ We are addressing this by forming mutual recognition agreement and pushing for global standard harmonisation,” said Hakimah.
JAKIM has evolved considerably from certifying basic food products to establishing standards for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and logistics. Malaysia’ s adoption of technology, such as blockchain and electronic certification, enhances transparency and sustains industry trust.
Through active participation in international bodies like the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries( SMIIC) and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation( OIC), Malaysia is helping to shape the global halal framework from within.
HALAL GROWTH PLAN With a national target of RM260 billion in halal exports by 2030, Malaysia is taking decisive steps to develop the sector. The Halal Industry Master Plan( HIMP) 2030 details 23 strategic initiatives across seven focus areas.
These involve enhancing halalfriendly policies and legislation, promoting innovation, upgrading infrastructure, developing more local halal champions and boosting Bumiputera participation.
“ We are also expanding into high-growth sectors such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and Islamic finance,” she said. These industries offer greater returns and global appeal.
Efforts are being made to assist exporters through enhanced logistics, digital certification procedures, and strategic trade agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership( RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership( CPTPP), which provide broader market access.
Malaysia’ s Roadmap to RM260 Billion Halal Export by 2030
01
Malaysia
Targeted global outreach
is intensifying trade missions and actively participating in international halal exhibitions to strengthen its presence in high-potential export markets.
03
Boosting export readiness
Halal logistics enhancement
Malaysia is upgrading its halal logistics and supply chain systems to ensure product integrity and compliance across borders.
02 04
Utilising FTAs
Beyond food & beverages
05
ASEAN as a growth platform
Datin Paduka Hakimah Mohd Yusoff.
halal certification to reduce trade barriers.
• Strengthening regional training programmes and standardsetting capabilities.
• Launching joint promotions to market ASEAN halal products to the global audience. This approach establishes
ASEAN as a unified halal leader, creating new prospects for trade and cooperation.
OVERCOMING HURDLES
The journey to establishing the world’ s halal hub faces several challenges. Differing definitions of halal in various countries, inadequate infrastructure, and slow certification processes are some of the obstacles Malaysia encounters.
“ We must scale capacity without sacrificing quality,” said Hakimah.
Malaysia is addressing this by expanding halal parks, promoting research and development, and improving the training of auditors and halal professionals.
Digitalisation is key to overcoming certification bottlenecks. Transitioning to complete electronic certification enhances the process by making it more efficient, transparent, and scalable.
The Halal Industry Development Council( MPIH), chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, plays a vital role in aligning policies with industry needs. By coordinating across government and sectors, Malaysia ensures that its halal ecosystem remains flexible and efficient.
HALAL WITH PURPOSE
For Hakimah, this mission surpasses strategy. It is a spiritual and national duty.
“ We are not just pursuing commercial gains. We are fulfilling an amanah( trust),” Hakimah said.
As a former director-general of JAKIM, she has experienced the challenges and achievements in shaping Malaysia’ s halal identity. She continues to motivate her team by emphasising that their work not only promotes economic growth but also upholds Islamic values in the global trade arena.
Her vision is grounded in authenticity.“ As long as we stay true to our principles and fundamentals, InshaAllah, Malaysia will continue to lead the world in halal leadership.”
Malaysia’ s journey towards global halal excellence is propelled not only by policy and innovation but also by a strong sense of national responsibility. As Hakimah emphasises, the way forward demands closer collaboration among ministries, institutions, and industry stakeholders.
Malaysia will build a halal ecosystem that is not only commercially vibrant but also unified and resilient through this comprehensive government approach.
The coming years will see the country bolster its diplomatic efforts, improve its regional
ASEAN EMPOWERED: The SME Venture @ ASEAN 2025 drives halal innovation and regional growth under Malaysia’ s ASEAN Chairmanship.
leadership through ASEAN, and expand its technological influence into new areas.
Strategic alliances, enhancing institutional capacity, and digital transformation will persist in shaping the next phase of Malaysia’ s halal development.
By enhancing its internal governance structures and promoting knowledge sharing, Malaysia is establishing itself not only as a global leader in halal certification but also as a comprehensive model for others to follow.
The alignment between economic aspirations and Islamic values ensures that the halal agenda remains inclusive, future-oriented, and based on trust.
With unwavering dedication and cooperation across all levels, Malaysia is fully equipped to spearhead the global halal narrative in a way that mirrors both its ambitions and sense of duty.-