Malaysia is positioning itself as a regional leader in the halal industry, leveraging its role as ASEAN chair to expand market opportunities. Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasized the need for stronger marketing strategies to promote Malaysian halal products across Southeast Asia, where demand continues to grow. Speaking at the launch of the Penang Halal Industry Development Council, he highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration and proposed establishing a regional halal council to streamline industry standards.
Despite Malaysia’s strong halal certification system through JAKIM, Ahmad Zahid noted that many ASEAN countries still do not fully recognize these certifications. He pointed out that neighboring nations like Indonesia and Thailand are actively promoting their halal products in Malaysia, while Malaysian businesses struggle with market penetration. With ASEAN’s 600 million consumers representing a vast economic opportunity, he urged more aggressive promotional efforts to elevate Malaysia’s halal industry.
The newly formed Penang Halal Industry Development Council marks a milestone as the first state-level initiative of its kind in Malaysia. Ahmad Zahid, who chairs the federal Halal Industry Development Council, described the move as a crucial step in building a robust halal ecosystem. The council, involving 25 government agencies, aligns with Penang’s 2030 vision for a sustainable and inclusive economy. State officials, including Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, emphasized the importance of federal-state cooperation in driving the industry forward.
Looking ahead, Malaysia plans to host an ASEAN halal forum in September to foster regional partnerships. Events like the Malaysia International Halal Showcase will further serve as key platforms for business networking. Penang, already home to 870 halal-certified companies, aims to become a global halal hub through these coordinated efforts. With Selangor and Johor leading in halal certifications, Penang’s proactive approach signals its ambition to compete on the international stage.