COVER STORY

@ Halal | September-October. 2026

� Fifty-two years of halal certification have established Malaysia as a trusted name in the global halal ecosystem.

� Zahid Hamidi says Malaysia aims to shape global halal benchmarks, not just participate in the market.

� For Malaysia’ s halal ambitions to translate into wider economic gains, smaller businesses must move up the value chain.

The challenge now is to convert that credibility into greater economic value, with Malaysia moving beyond its established role in certification to become a producer, innovator, investor and exporter across the global halal economy.

Deputy Prime Minister and Malaysian Halal Industry Development Council chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the next phase of Malaysia ' s halal leadership must build on the institutional foundations developed over more than five decades.

" Our certification system and institutional framework have established a strong foundation of international confidence. We must now convert that trust into greater economic value for Malaysia by developing competitive home-grown companies, strengthening our manufacturing capacity, advancing research and innovation, and expanding into higher-value halal sectors," Zahid said.

The 52nd anniversary of Malaysian halal certification in 2026 therefore represents more than a historical milestone.

BUILT ON CREDIBILITY Zahid said the evolution of the certification system reflected Malaysia ' s long-term commitment to consumer protection, Islamic principles and confidence in halal products and services.

What began primarily as a domestic assurance mechanism has evolved into a sophisticated system supported by standards, procedures, scientific testing, trained auditors and regulatory oversight.

The Malaysia halal logo has consequently become a recognised marker of assurance, carrying religious, social and commercial value well

MOVING UP THE LADDER: Malaysia must turn its established halal credentials into greater strength in production, innovation, investment and international trade.

" We must now convert that trust into greater economic value for Malaysia by developing competitive home-grown companies, strengthening our manufacturing capacity, advancing research and innovation, and expanding into higher-value halal sectors."

Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi

beyond the country ' s borders.

Maintaining that standing, however, will become more challenging as the industry evolves.

Global supply chains are increasingly complex, while new ingredients, biotechnology, digital commerce and advanced pharmaceuticals are raising questions that conventional certification systems must be equipped to address.

Zahid said Malaysia must ensure its halal system remains relevant to these developments without compromising Shariah principles or certification integrity.

AN ECOSYSTEM ADVANTAGE Malaysia ' s established halal ecosystem provides a strong platform from which to compete internationally.

Its infrastructure spans certification, standards, testing and research, halal parks, Islamic finance, logistics, trade promotion and education.

That breadth, Zahid said, is one of Malaysia ' s principal advantages as more countries seek to establish themselves as halal production and trading hubs.

But reputation alone will not guarantee future leadership.

Competitors are investing rapidly in technology, infrastructure, manufacturing and market development, making innovation and responsiveness increasingly important.

Malaysia ' s distinction, he said, should therefore rest on four qualities:

A LEGACY IN MOTION: Zahid Hamidi believes Malaysia’ s 52-year halal certification journey provides a strong foundation for the country to expand its role across the global halal economy. trust, competence, innovation and global connectivity.

That ambition must also extend to certification itself.

Zahid said greater speed and stronger integrity need not compete. Both can be achieved through better-designed digital systems, clearer documentation, improved coordination and more effective use of technology.

Digital tools can support document verification, risk profiling, audit scheduling, traceability and information sharing, while complex and highrisk products would continue to undergo the necessary technical and Shariah scrutiny.

" The objective is not simply faster certification, but a process that is transparent, predictable and efficient," he said.

EVER-CHANGING LANDSCAPE For Malaysia, the next chapter of halal leadership is therefore not about protecting an established reputation. It is about making that reputation work harder for the economy.

For more than five decades, Malaysia has invested in building confidence in its halal certification and institutions.

The opportunity now is to translate that confidence into Malaysian companies with global reach, locally developed products and technologies, stronger manufacturing capabilities and a greater share of high-value halal markets.

The first 52 years built the trust. The next chapter must turn that trust into trade, investment and Malaysian value.