Langkawi: The inaugural Langkawi International Halal Showcase 2026 (LIHAS 2026) is targeting around 30,000 visitors when it debuts at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC), Langkawi, from Nov 5 to 8.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, LIHAS Secretariat chief operating officer Shazzwan Shawaluddin said the event, themed Business Meets Nature, will serve as an international trade platform bringing together halal industry players to promote products, expand commercial networks, and explore new market opportunities.

Shazzwan emphasized that LIHAS combines business and tourism in a comprehensive halal platform. The showcase aims to strengthen collaboration between local and international businesses through trade exhibitions, business matching sessions, networking programmes, and industry knowledge-sharing activities. He shared that a wide range of programmes has been lined up throughout the event, expressing hope that both tourists and local visitors will turn out in large numbers to support this inaugural showcase in Langkawi.

Langkawi was chosen as the host venue after overseas exhibitors expressed interest in experiencing a different side of Malaysia beyond its major cities. Many exhibitors who regularly participate in the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) indicated a desire to explore more than Kuala Lumpur's urban landscape, which led to the selection of Langkawi, known for its natural beauty.

Shazzwan also noted that LIHAS will be held in Langkawi every two years. However, in years when the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) takes place, the showcase will be hosted in another state. He expressed hope that the Kedah government, along with relevant agencies and departments, would continue supporting the event to ensure its programmes are successfully delivered, especially for entrepreneurs and international exhibitors.