Makkah: Bank Rakyat has taken a proactive step in empowering local entrepreneurs through its strategic participation in the Makkah Halal Forum 2026, in line with the 'Hebatkan Perniagaan Malaysia' aspiration by the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Bank Rakyat Group Chief Executive Officer Ahmad Shahril Mohd Shariff stated that the bank brought five local companies, which are its customers, to explore trade opportunities, participate in Business-to-Business sessions involving international industry players, and build strategic networks in the Middle East market.

He highlighted that through this participation, Bank Rakyat acts as a facilitator connecting local entrepreneurs to global trade opportunities, strategic partners, and high-value markets, thereby accelerating the penetration of Malaysian products into the international arena. Bank Rakyat expects this initiative to potentially generate export sales of nearly RM2 billion, further strengthening Malaysia's position as a key player in the global halal industry and opening up more opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

The local companies selected to participate in the initiative include Ayamas Integrated Poultry Industry Sdn Bhd, Jaman Tory Food Industries, Agro 19 Berhad, Ramly Food Processing Sdn Bhd, and A and A Empire Sdn Bhd (Bokitta).

QSR Trading Sdn Bhd, the operator of the Ayamas brand network, mentioned in the same statement that through the initiative, the company would showcase brands under its marketing arm, including Ayamas, Ayamas Kitchen, Life, Kewpie, Fatboi, and Lactima. Plans are also underway to launch new frozen products based on seafood, as well as flour and French fries categories to meet growing market demand.

Makkah Halal Forum 2026 is being held from Feb 14 to 16 at the Makkah Chamber for Exhibitions and Events Centre, Saudi Arabia, themed 'Halal: A Professional Industry'.