Malaysia welcomes New Zealand’s participation in the ASEAN Halal Council to strengthen halal industry cooperation and standards.
KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has welcomed New Zealand’s interest in joining the soon-to-be-established ASEAN Halal Council.
Ahmad Zahid emphasised Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening regional collaboration in the global halal industry during his speech at the Halal Diplomacy event hosted by New Zealand.
He stated that the halal sector transcends religious boundaries and represents universal values of trust, transparency and accountability.
“I am pleased to learn of New Zealand’s interest in joining the ASEAN Halal Council, a platform that will soon harmonise standards and strengthen global competitiveness,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid highlighted that halal certification signifies high standards of quality, safety and integrity across multiple sectors including food and beverage, banking, insurance, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also attended the event alongside Malaysia’s deputy prime minister.
Ahmad Zahid, who chairs the National Halal Council, noted Malaysia’s global recognition for its robust halal certification system through JAKIM and the Malaysian Halal Council.
He revealed that Malaysia and New Zealand have maintained long-standing cooperation in halal assurance, with all chicken products from New Zealand being halal-certified with full government support.
“We are pleased to see our trade associations working closely together,” he added, acknowledging that halal products from New Zealand are well received by Malaysian consumers.
The deputy prime minister identified the halal industry as a cornerstone of Malaysia-New Zealand cooperation with potential for further expansion through the Halal Implementation Arrangement.
“We welcome the conclusion of the Halal Implementation Agreement as we lay the groundwork for a system that will streamline certification processes and reinforce confidence in halal supply chains,” he stated.
Ahmad Zahid emphasised the importance of strengthening bonds of friendship, trust and shared vision between the two nations.
He described ASEAN’s nearly 700 million people as representing a vast halal market where Malaysia aims to position itself as the halal gateway with New Zealand as a trusted partner.
The deputy prime minister urged New Zealand to regard Malaysia as a strategic partner not only in halal industry development but also in broader collaborations addressing regional and global challenges.
“Please consider Malaysia as your partner in all areas of cooperation that contribute to peace, prosperity and shared progress,” he concluded.
Earlier during the event, Prime Minister Luxon and Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid witnessed the exchange of notes on the Halal Implementation Arrangement between Malaysia and New Zealand.
JAKIM director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee and New Zealand High Commissioner to Malaysia Mike Walsh conducted the formal exchange ceremony. – Bernama
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