THE Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) can be the platform to expand the country’s halal industries across Asean countries.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that through Matrade, Malaysia could utilise its position as Asean chairman to improve its position as a regional hub for halal industries.
“Malaysia should seize the chance to explore the halal industry market throughout Asean countries,” he said after launching the Penang Halal Industry Development Council (MPIHPP) in Seberang Jaya.
He said only a few countries accepted products halal-certified by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim).
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said halal industries in countries such as Indonesia and Thailand were actively marketing their products to Malaysia.
However, Malaysian halal products face difficulties entering the Asean market due to a lack of marketing efforts.
“Since Asean has a population of 600 million and represents a large market, we need to publicise Malaysia’s halal products more aggressively,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid, who is Halal Industry Development Council chairman, said Malaysia was considering setting up a regional council for halal matters.
The country is also planning to organise an Asean forum in September to strengthen cross-border cooperation in halal industries.
Besides Matrade, Ahmad Zahid also pointed out that the upcoming Malaysia International Halal Showcase could also be a regional halal business-matching platform.
The launch of MPIHPP made Penang the first Malaysian state to have set up such a council.
Describing the council formation as an important step in creating a strong halal ecosystem, Ahmad Zahid expressed hope it would bolster Malaysian halal industry in the region.
The council was created following the Halal Industry Development Meeting chaired by Ahmad Zahid on Dec 3 last year.
The meeting proposed that the council be set up at state level to improve teamwork between relevant agencies developing the halal industry.
Present during the launch were Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid and Matrade chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican.
Mohamad said Penang had taken proactive steps by creating the MPIHPP, which was approved during the state executive council meeting on Jan 22.
As MPIHPP chairman, Mohamad said the creation of the council involved 25 government departments and agencies.
He said MPIHPP was aligned with the federal-level Malaysian Halal Industry Development Council.
“The establishment of this council is significant in strengthening the development of the halal industry in the state and aligns with the Penang 2030 vision which prioritises a progressive, inclusive and sustainable economy.
“Close cooperation between the state and Federal governments is crucial, and it demonstrates the Federal government’s support for our efforts at the state level,” he said in his speech during the launch.
Mohamad expressed confidence the cooperation would make Penang a global leader in the halal industry.
As of April this year, Penang has 870 companies that are registered with halal certifications.
The figures placed Penang in third spot after Selangor and Johor as states with the most number of halal certification holders.
Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2025/05/16/asean-chair-boost-for-halal-industry-to-go-regional