KUALA LUMPUR: The Halal Industry Development Council (MPIH) has agreed to establish a Halal Professional Body to coordinate the professional development of the sector. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that the MPIH meeting held today also sanctioned the formation of state-level halal industry development councils.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid emphasized that this initiative aims to boost the participation of industry players within the halal ecosystem and ensure a more comprehensive implementation of the Halal Industry Master Plan 2030 (HIMP 2030) at the state level. In a Facebook post after chairing the meeting, he outlined the plans for dialogue sessions and engagements, including the HIMP 2030 Open Day scheduled for early 2025, to strengthen collaboration and engagement.

He further explained that the program’s objective is to address key issues, create new opportunities, and propel the growth of the halal industry both locally and internationally. By the thir
d quarter of this year, HIMP 2030 had reached 75 percent of its target, with halal exports valued at RM45 billion and investments in Halal Industrial Parks totaling RM16.7 billion.

Efforts will be intensified to meet the set targets by the end of the year, Ahmad Zahid affirmed, while underscoring the government’s commitment to advancing the national halal ecosystem. The aim is for it to contribute 10.8 percent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2030.

With synergies between the public and private sectors, strategic coordination, and the opening of new markets, Ahmad Zahid expressed confidence in Malaysia’s continued global leadership in the halal industry. “This is our effort to strengthen the national economy and elevate Malaysia’s halal brand on the world stage,” he concluded.