Malaysia is advocating for a transition from halal-certified to halal-competitive status as ASEAN targets a US$5t global halal economy. This call was made by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Religious Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, during the World Halal Business Conference (WHBC) 2026 in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia, which has topped the Global Islamic Economy Indicator for 12 years, saw its halal exports reach RM68.52b in 2025, marking a 109% year-on-year growth.
The Minister emphasised the need for Malaysia to evolve from being market-ready to export-ready, aiming to become global champions in the halal sector. This involves focusing on commercialisation, international market access, and participation in global value chains. He also proposed the establishment of an ASEAN Halal Council to enhance regional cooperation and connectivity within the halal ecosystem.
The WHBC 2026, organised by the Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC), facilitated industry collaboration through two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs). HDC partnered with Kings Park Development Sdn Bhd to bolster the halal ecosystem through advisory and capacity-building initiatives. Additionally, Tradewinds M Berhad and Saudi Arabia’s Tanmiah Food Company agreed to explore halal protein opportunities in Malaysia and the Asia-Pacific region.
High-level discussions at the conference highlighted the importance of translating Malaysia’s halal strengths into increased international trade and investment. The Minister noted that the future success of the halal economy should be measured by global growth, investment attraction, job creation, and integration into ASEAN and global value chains.
