Malaysian pharmaceutical firm Duopharma Biotech is strategically expanding its halal-certified product line into Indonesia, anticipating significant growth opportunities as the country prepares to enforce stricter halal compliance regulations. The company’s leadership highlighted Indonesia’s upcoming 2027 mandate requiring all over-the-counter products to be fully halal-certified, creating a promising market for their specialized offerings.
Unlike other potential markets such as the Middle East, Indonesia presents a more accessible opportunity due to regional proximity and shared regulatory frameworks within ASEAN. Duopharma currently generates 8% of its revenue from exports to approximately 30 countries, with plans to expand this segment further. Government contracts and private-sector sales remain the company’s primary revenue drivers, accounting for 50% and 42% respectively.
Despite the promising outlook, exporting pharmaceuticals comes with challenges, including lower profit margins and additional regulatory hurdles. Foreign regulators often do not automatically recognize Malaysian pharmaceutical certifications, requiring Duopharma to undergo separate approval processes in each new market. The company has already secured a foothold in Timor-Leste through a government tender and is exploring opportunities in Qatar and other Middle Eastern countries.
Duopharma’s long-term strategy focuses on leveraging ASEAN’s growing demand for halal pharmaceuticals while navigating the complexities of international expansion. With Indonesia’s regulatory shift on the horizon, the company is positioning itself to capitalize on this emerging market while continuing to strengthen its domestic and regional presence.