BUTTERWORTH, May 12 — Malaysia should capitalise on its role as Asean Chair in 2025 to grow its halal product exports and tap into the 600 million-strong Asean market, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
BUTTERWORTH, May 12 — Malaysia should capitalise on its role as Asean Chair in 2025 to grow its halal product exports and tap into the 600 million-strong Asean market, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He noted that while halal products from countries like Indonesia and Thailand are available in Malaysia, local halal goods have yet to make significant inroads into the broader Asean market due to limited marketing efforts.
“With a population of 600 million, the Asean region represents a substantial and realistic market for Malaysian halal products. Matrade is working to enhance efforts to expand into Asean countries,” he said.
Zahid made these remarks at the launch of the Penang Halal Industry Development Council today, an event also attended by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and MARA Chairman Datuk Seri Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.
As chairman of the Malaysian Halal Industry Development Council, Zahid also proposed the creation of an Asean Halal Council and the hosting of an Asean Halal Forum in September.
He added that the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) will feature regional halal products and bring together Asean industry players for business-matching sessions with potential importers.
Additionally, Malaysia is working to scale up halal gelatine production — currently limited to a single local producer — to meet standards required across halal sectors in both Asean and international markets. He emphasised the need to look beyond the food and beverage sector and explore opportunities in areas like pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
Zahid also highlighted Malaysia’s robust halal ecosystem, with its certification recognised by 92 foreign bodies across 48 countries.He praised Penang for becoming the first state to establish a Halal Industry Development Council.
Malaysia remains a global leader in the halal industry, recording RM61.79 billion in halal exports in 2024 — a 15 per cent increase from 2023 — and retaining its top ranking in the Global Islamic Economy Index for the 10th straight year. — Bernama
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