@Halal September/October 2026 | Page 12

12 COVER STORY
12 COVER STORY
@ Halal | September-October. 2026

The new frontiers

Malaysia has an opportunity to turn decades of halal leadership into something bigger: a high-value economy built on science, innovation, technology and intellectual property.
The next frontier extends far beyond food. Pharmaceuticals, vaccines, nutraceuticals, medical devices, biotechnology and cosmetics are opening new markets, alongside opportunities in digital traceability, healthcare and advanced manufacturing.
Malaysia is well placed to compete. It already has strengths in healthcare, Islamic finance, research, higher education, palm-based ingredients and manufacturing, backed by more than five decades of halal certification and international trust. The challenge is to connect these capabilities and translate them into Malaysian products, technologies and services with global reach.
Sustainability adds another dimension. The principles of halalan toyyiban— wholesomeness, safety, ethics and responsibility— offer Malaysia an opportunity to position halal not simply as a religious assurance, but as a broader proposition built around quality, responsible production and consumer confidence.
In an exclusive interview with @ Halal, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says these emerging sectors are central to Malaysia’ s next phase of halal leadership. He outlines where the biggest opportunities lie, what it will take to establish Malaysia as a global centre for halal healthcare innovation, and why science, technology and sustainability will increasingly define the future of halal.

The science of halal

� The halal industry is evolving beyond food, with new growth in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and digital technology.
� Success depends on strong Shariah compliance, scientific collaboration, and the adoption of advanced technologies such as AI and blockchain.
� Emphasising sustainability and ethics positions halal products as trustworthy and responsible choices.
Q: Food and beverage remains the most visible halal sector. Which higher-value sectors should Malaysia prioritise?
Food and beverage will always play a vital role in the halal economy, but Malaysia’ s opportunities extend well beyond these sectors. We should look toward industries where knowledge, technology, and intellectual property can generate even greater value.
Pharmaceuticals, vaccines, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, medical devices and biotechnology are among the areas with strong potential. Opportunities also exist in halal ingredients, logistics, digital traceability, medical tourism, Muslim-friendly healthcare, modest fashion, and tourism services.
Malaysia already possesses valuable strengths in healthcare, Islamic finance, palm-based ingredients, higher education, research, and advanced manufacturing. By connecting these capabilities, the nation can develop innovative halal products and services for customers worldwide.
Malaysia should focus on sectors where it can build competitive industry clusters, attract investment, support local suppliers, and build expertise recognised globally.
“ Halal should never be understood only as the absence of prohibited ingredients.”
Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
Q: What is required for Malaysia to become a global leader in halal pharmaceuticals, medical devices and healthcare?
Achieving leadership in these sectors involves bringing together Shariah expertise, scientific capability, regulatory knowledge, active research, and advanced manufacturing.
Halal considerations must be integrated from the start, including ingredient sourcing, formulation, manufacturing, handling, storage, and distribution. Address these elements proactively, not at the final stage.
Collaboration across sectors is essential. JAKIM, the Ministry of Health, universities, research institutions, manufacturers, hospitals, and Islamic scholars each play important
RESEARCHING THE FUTURE: Developing innovative solutions for the evolving halal industry.
Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
roles. The industry also needs access to halal-compliant ingredients, robust testing facilities, and specialised talent.
Malaysia is well positioned to become a trusted centre for halal healthcare innovation. This opportunity extends beyond serving Muslim markets, enabling the nation to offer products and services that meet both religious requirements and internationally recognised standards for safety, quality, and efficacy.
Q: How does sustainability fit within Malaysia’ s halal-industry agenda?
Halal represents more than simply avoiding prohibited ingredients. The principle of halalan toyyiban covers wholesomeness,