The latest 19th edition of this renowned event , the world ’ s largest halal exhibition , achieved remarkable sales of RM3.11 billion . It exceeded the initial target of RM2.5 billion by 24 per cent , further emphasising its significance as the leading global halal trade platform .

MIHAS 2023 was officiated by Prime Minister of Malaysia , Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim , during the opening ceremony of Global Halal Summit ( GHaS ) 2023 at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre ( MITEC ) on Sept 12 , 2023 .

This prestigious event , hosted by the Ministry of Investment , Trade , and Industry ( MITI ) and organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation ( MATRADE ), showcased nearly 1,900 booths representing 44 participating countries .

In his speech , Anwar emphasised the global importance of the halal industry , noting that it has been a central topic of discussion during his visits to other countries .

He shared : “ During bilateral meetings with foreign leaders , they requested that the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia ( JAKIM ) send officials to assist with halal certification .”

“ This is a positive development . I have proposed that all these matters be coordinated with the Halal Development Corporation ( HDC ) and MATRADE because there is specialisation and synergy with the local industry . Otherwise , we will only manage certification rather than develop the halal industry .”

Anwar highlighted the need for strong collaboration between the halal certification issuer and agencies like MATRADE to identify companies with the potential to market their products internationally .

MITI ’ S COMPLETE ECOSYSTEM

MITI Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz said , in alignment with the 12th Malaysia Plan ( 12MP ), the ministry would continue to drive the halal industry based on two essential master plans : The Halal Industry Master Plan 2030 ( HIMP2030 ) and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 ( NIMP2030 ).

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim .

From left to right : Religious Affairs Minister Dato ’ Setia Dr Mohd Na ’ im Mokhtar , Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi , Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim , Tengku Zafrul Aziz , Dato ’ Sri Reezal Merican and Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz .

“ Through the Mid-Term Review of the 12MP , the government continues to position Malaysia as the leader in the global halal industry with an export target valued at RM63.1 billion by 2025 , or 8.1 per cent of gross domestic product ( GDP ).

“ Our ministry ’ s priorities include establishing Malaysia as a global halal hub through the business ecosystem , trade , and standards that serve as benchmarks and references for other countries .”

Zafrul shared that the enabling agencies that have long been established in MITI ’ s ecosystem include HDC , MATRADE and the Department of Standards Malaysia ( JSM ).

“ All three agencies under MITI continuously work closely with JAKIM in developing Malaysia ’ s leadership in the global halal industry , as well as building consumer confidence in Malaysian products and services at the international level ,” he elaborated .

KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF MIHAS 2023

According to MATRADE CEO Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz , MIHAS 2023 took a very inclusive approach by giving more significant focus on strategic collaboration with

ministries , agencies , and State governments to ensure greater participation of local companies , especially Micro , Small , and Medium Enterprises ( MSME ). This year ’ s edition attracted the participation of 34 government agencies , including ministries , agencies , and state governments .

He also pointed out that MIHAS had emphasised ensuring that Malaysian exporters ’ focus went beyond the food and beverage segment . In total , MIHAS 2023 focused on 13 clusters , namely food and beverages , food technology and packaging , pharmaceuticals and medicals , education , modest fashion and lifestyle , e-commerce , retail and franchise , Muslim-friendly hospitality and tourism , services and enablers , Islamic finance and fintech , media and recreation , cosmetics and personal care , and Islamic arts and crafts .

Aside from INSP and the leading exhibition , MIHAS 2023 also featured the MIHAS Awards , which aimed to celebrate the excellence and uniqueness of exhibitors and halal products and services . It encompassed two main categories : the MIHAS Excellence Award and the MIHAS Innovative Award .

In line with the push towards environmentalism and achieving net zero carbon goals , MIHAS 2023 also organised programmes highlighting its commitment to sustainability .

Malaysian actress , singer , and television host Nur Fazura Sharifuddin ran a “ Tudung Lama , Kasi Baru ” campaign , which was a collaboration between Fazfit Sdn Bhd , Puspanita Cawangan MITI ( PCM ), and MATRADE Club .

Through this programme , visitors were welcomed to exchange their old hijabs for a voucher to purchase a new hijab from Tudung Fazura . This was aimed at encouraging sustainability practices within the community .

MIHAS 2023 drew a substantial crowd of 38,566 attendees from over 100 nations , exceeding the anticipated 35,000 visitor target . Of this number , 29,090 graced the event in person , while 9,476 opted for virtual participation . –