Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid outlines five strategic initiatives, including a new Halal-Friendly Port in Kuantan, to boost Malaysia’s halal exports and competitiveness.
KUALA LUMPUR: The government has agreed on five high-impact initiatives to position Malaysia as a Global Halal Hub.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the plan includes developing the country’s first Halal-Friendly Port at Kuantan Port.
The project is expected to generate RM15 billion in economic value and create over 13,000 jobs within 15 years.
The initiatives were deliberated at a meeting of the Halal Industry Development Council (MPIH) chaired by Ahmad Zahid.
He said the measures aim to comprehensively strengthen the halal industry ecosystem, covering logistics, financing, tourism and industrial park governance.
“The implementation of these initiatives will position Kuantan Port as an integrated East Coast Halal Hub,” he said in a statement.
This will enhance halal integrity, traceability and logistics chain efficiency to boost Malaysia’s global competitiveness.
The meeting also discussed improving financing access for halal micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) under the Malaysia MADANI Budget 2026.
Ahmad Zahid noted that disbursement to halal MSMEs remains low due to physical collateral constraints.
He called for stronger coordination between federal and state governments and financial institutions to ensure more inclusive access.
On Islamic tourism, Malaysia recorded 5.4 million Muslim tourist arrivals with total expenditure of RM19.54 billion in 2024.
The meeting agreed to align the Muslim-Friendly Assurance Recognition (MFAR) programme with halal certification guidelines for the hospitality sector.
This move aims to enhance compliance and strengthen tourist confidence in Malaysia’s offerings.
The council also discussed the Johor State Halal Development Plan 2030, which focuses on the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone.
The plan outlines seven strategic thrusts, including a proposal to establish the Johor Halal Development Corporation.
“I encourage other states to emulate this proactive approach,” said Ahmad Zahid, to ensure balanced development aligned with national aspirations.
Strategic initiatives by the Halal Development Corporation (HDC) were also deliberated, including a new Halal Malaysia (HALMAS) framework.
Under this framework, MIDA will lead efforts to attract strategic investments into HALMAS Halal Industrial Parks.
HDC will focus on industry development, certification facilitation and strengthening governance within these parks.
Meanwhile, MATRADE will intensify halal export promotion using the New Incentive Framework (NIF) to boost industry participation.
Ahmad Zahid expressed confidence in the strong growth prospects of Malaysia’s halal industry.
He stressed that success requires integrated commitment from all stakeholders across the ecosystem.
“The effective implementation of all five initiatives is expected to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a global halal hub,” he said.
This will reinforce the country’s leadership in halal production and certification at the international level.
