Kuala lumpur: Malaysia will use the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026 to promote a proposal for the establishment of an ASEAN Halal Council, with the country proposed as its secretariat, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said. Ahmad Zahid, who is also chairman of the Halal Industry Development Council (MPIH), stated that this decision was made at the MPIH Meeting No. 1/2026, focusing on strengthening governance, increasing investment, and expanding market access for Malaysia's halal industry.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysia has engaged in discussions with Saudi Arabia regarding the establishment of a World Halal Development Council, which is proposed to be chaired by Saudi Arabia. MIHAS 2026 is scheduled to take place from September 23 to 26 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).
Ahmad Zahid highlighted the robust potential of the country's halal industry, noting a 6.1 per cent increase in the sector's contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP), reaching RM81.25 billion or 7.6 per cent of the nation's GDP as of June 30. He also reported that exports amounted to RM33.29 billion, while cumulative investments in Halal Industrial Parks reached RM13.73 billion.
The meeting also resolved to enhance the facilitation of halal certification for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through a pilot project in Kampung Bharu. This includes deploying Halal Development Officers and integrating local authority licensing systems with MyHalal. Additionally, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and Halal Development Corporation (HDC) will intensify promotional efforts for the 14 HALMAS-status Halal Industrial Parks, which currently accommodate 389 active investors.
Ahmad Zahid expressed his desire for the success of the Negeri Sembilan Cottage Halal Initiative, which assisted 360 out of 390 entrepreneurs in obtaining halal certification, to be documented as a national reference model. The meeting also provided in-principle support for the Sarawak Halal Industry Development Plan 2026-2030, aimed at establishing an Integrated Borneo Halal Hub.
Despite Malaysia's halal exports reaching RM68.52 billion in 2025, only 14.7 per cent of halal-certified companies were exporters, indicating a gap that needs to be addressed. Ahmad Zahid expressed confidence in the potential of Malaysia's halal industry to continue as a driver of the national economy while solidifying Malaysia's position as a competitive, credible, and sustainable Global Halal Hub.