Permatang pauh: Malaysia has the potential to emerge as a global halal industry hub if its internationally recognised halal certification system is backed by robust industry capabilities and strategic international collaboration. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the need for a comprehensive halal industry ecosystem while officiating the Penang International Halal Expo (PIHEX) 2026 and the Penang Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Gathering (HUBPP) at Politeknik Seberang Perai.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the global recognition of Malaysia's halal certification system has opened up opportunities for the country to expand cooperation with nations seeking to develop their own halal industries. Prime Minister Anwar highlighted that several world leaders have shown interest in collaborating with Malaysia in the halal sector, including obtaining the country's halal certification. He mentioned discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, who all acknowledged Malaysia's strong performance in the halal industry and expressed a desire for partnership.
However, Anwar stressed that Malaysia could not rely solely on the strength of its halal certification. He pointed out the necessity of building a more comprehensive halal industry ecosystem. "I want to emphasise that we should not focus only on halal certification. Our strength lies not only in certification, but also in creating synergy between certification and industry," he stated.
The Prime Minister underscored the importance of collaboration between the government and industry to ensure halal standards are maintained, while also enabling local companies to penetrate global markets. He added that the halal industry had expanded beyond food and evolved into a high-value economic sector encompassing a wide range of industries.
The event was attended by Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, Penang Deputy Chief Minister I and Penang Halal Industry Development Council (MPIHPP) chairman Datuk Dr Mohamad Abd Hamid, and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din.