Malaysia Must Become Market-Maker In Global Halal Industry -- Zulkifli
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia must move beyond setting benchmarks for the halal industry and become a market-maker, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Dr Zulkifli Hasan.
He said Malaysia’s vision must evolve from halal-certified to halal-competitive, from market-ready to export-ready, and from local players to global champions.
“First, from certification to commercialisation. Certification remains fundamental, but it should be the beginning of a commercial journey, not the end.
“Our products must be able to compete in Riyadh, Jakarta, Tokyo, London and Dubai through stronger branding, packaging, standards, market intelligence, distribution, digitalisation and internationalisation,” he said in his keynote address at the World Halal Business Conference (WHBC) 2026 here today.
Second, he said Malaysia needs more halal companies that can scale beyond domestic demand and become regional and global players.
Zulkifli said the third transformation is from domestic supply chains to ASEAN and global value chains.
“Our businesses should think beyond exporting finished products. Malaysia can provide halal ingredients, ASEAN can manufacture, while other markets contribute technology and distribution.
“Together, we can build a more resilient and competitive ecosystem,” he said.
He said the fourth transformation involves a shift from traditional halal sectors to high-value industries.
“The halal economy extends beyond food and beverages to pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, healthcare, medical devices, logistics, hospitality, modest fashion and digital services.
“As artificial intelligence reshapes our world, we must become technology-driven, knowledge-intensive and innovation-led,” he said.
Zulkifli said the fifth transformation calls for a transition from government support to ecosystem partnerships.
“Government cannot build the halal economy alone. Industry, investors, financial institutions, universities, technology providers, entrepreneurs and international partners must all have a role,” he said.
He said the next phase of the halal industry would belong to those who build competitive brands, master supply chains and enter international markets.
Zulkifli also said ASEAN should work towards an interconnected halal economic ecosystem where standards facilitate trade, supply chains cross borders, and innovation moves faster.
Meanwhile, Halal Development Corporation Bhd (HDC) chairman Mohd Afandi Salleh said non-Muslim countries were showing growing interest in developing their halal industries for domestic markets and exports.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the conference, he said representatives from countries like Europe, China, and other parts of the world met HDC this year to discuss halal development and potential cooperation.
“For example, Brazil, one of the world’s largest meat exporters, has also shown interest in Malaysia’s halal sector.
“HDC brought many Malaysian companies to these countries this year to explore business opportunities,” he said.
Organised by HDC as part of the Global Halal Summit (GHaS) 2026, WHBC drew about 500 participants from Malaysia and abroad, with more than 40 countries represented.
It also marks HDC’s 20th anniversary and the conference’s 18th edition.
-- BERNAMA