• Malaysia is reinforcing its global halal leadership through coordinated efforts and a unified national strategy.
• The country is evolving from a halal exporter to a global knowledge partner through innovation and training.
• As ASEAN Chair, Malaysia is working to harmonise regional halal standards and boost global competitiveness.
As global demand for halal products and services continues to rise, Malaysia remains strongly positioned at the forefront of the halal industry. The country is recognised both as a trusted authority and a strategic knowledge partner.
Datin Paduka Hakimah Mohd Yusoff, the Coordinator of Halal Affairs in the Prime Minister’s Department, is spearheading efforts to elevate Malaysia’s status as the world’s most integrated and innovative halal hub.
NATIONAL HALAL COORDINATION
“Our aim is clear,” shared Hakimah. “We must ensure seamless coordination between all government agencies involved in halal development.”
This mission involves coordinating the efforts of key organisations such as the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), Halal Development Corporation (HDC), and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) within the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), along with other relevant ministries including the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living.
Recognising the overlap in responsibilities among these agencies, her role focuses on harmonising the domestic halal ecosystem to prevent duplication. This approach enhances Malaysia’s global standing while unifying national halal strategies under a single framework.
One of the most transformative ideas being promoted is the creation of a one-stop centre for Halal Malaysia. This initiative aims to provide clarity, efficiency, and responsiveness in meeting both domestic and international halal requirements.
DIGITAL HALAL FUTURE
Malaysia is moving beyond its traditional role as a halal certifier or exporter. Hakimah envisions a shift towards high-value halal sectors.
These include halal biotechnology, digital certification systems, blockchain-enabled supply chain transparency, and halal-focused research and development. Malaysia is also working to become a centre of expertise in halal affairs.
The broader strategy involves upskilling halal professionals, enhancing infrastructure, and implementing digital innovations throughout the ecosystem. The government encourages greater industry-wide integration and investment in areas with substantial global potential.
GLOBAL HALAL EXPERTISE
Looking ahead, Malaysia aims to be recognised not only for its halal products but also for its proficiency in halal production.
“Our long-term vision is to become the global halal knowledge partner. We want to be the consultant that countries turn to when building their halal systems,” she explained.
This vision is already taking shape through technical collaborations with both Muslim-majority and non-Muslim nations. Malaysia is sharing its expertise in certification, supply chain integrity, and Islamic finance, which are becoming increasingly significant across borders.
Malaysia’s capacity-building programmes, including those under the Malaysia Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), HDC’s Halal Training Centre, and JAKIM’s international seminars, have already trained tens of thousands of participants from over 140 countries. These efforts bolster Malaysia’s credibility and global role.
GLOBAL BENCHMARKING
While Malaysia maintains a strong leadership position, the global halal landscape is becoming increasingly competitive as the emergence of diverse halal standards and certification bodies worldwide presents challenges.
“We are addressing this by forming mutual recognition agreement and pushing for global standard harmonisation,” said Hakimah.
JAKIM has evolved considerably from certifying basic food products to establishing standards for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and logistics. Malaysia’s adoption of technology, such as blockchain and electronic certification, enhances transparency and sustains industry trust.
Through active participation in international bodies like the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Malaysia is helping to shape the global halal framework from within.
HALAL GROWTH PLAN
With a national target of RM260 billion in halal exports by 2030, Malaysia is taking decisive steps to develop the sector. The Halal Industry Master Plan (HIMP) 2030 details 23 strategic initiatives across seven focus areas.
These involve enhancing halal-friendly policies and legislation, promoting innovation, upgrading infrastructure, developing more local halal champions and boosting Bumiputera participation.
“We are also expanding into high-growth sectors such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and Islamic finance,” she said. These industries offer greater returns and global appeal.
Efforts are being made to assist exporters through enhanced logistics, digital certification procedures, and strategic trade agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which provide broader market access.
