THE government is targeting RM80 billion in halal exports by 2030, up from RM68.52 billion last year, with the government seeking to push more halal-certified companies into international markets.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that the halal industry was also targeted to contribute 11 per cent to Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP), but the low proportion of certified companies currently exporting remained a challenge.
He said only 14.7 per cent of halal-certified companies were exporters.
“We have projections that need to be achieved every year. By 2030, global halal market demand is expected to reach US$3.3 trillion. This is a very large market,” he said after officiating the Global Halal Summit (GHaS) at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur today.
Zahid said the halal market extended beyond food to pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, healthcare, logistics and Muslim-friendly tourism.
He added the success of the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) overseas had demonstrated its role in opening international markets for Malaysian halal businesses, with MIHAS@Dubai generating RM2.2 billion in 2024 and MIHAS@Shanghai RM3.2 billion in 2025.
Meanwhile, Malaysia and Indonesia are moving to strengthen mutual recognition of halal certification to facilitate greater trade between the two countries.
Zahid said the Malaysia-Indonesia Halal Council would hold its first meeting in October, with mutual recognition of halal certification among its initial priorities.
“JAKIM’s logo is accepted in Indonesia, so there is no need to undergo additional testing or assessment for products to be exported there. Likewise, Indonesia’s halal logo is accepted by JAKIM for their products marketed in Malaysia,” he said, adding, the understanding had received the agreement of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
The cooperation is also expected to provide a foundation for Malaysia’s proposal to establish an ASEAN Halal Council, which is proposed to be launched in Malaysia in September 2027, subject to agreement by ASEAN member states.
Malaysia has offered to serve as the council’s secretariat, while Indonesia has been proposed as its inaugural chair.
Zahid had earlier raised the proposal at the fifth Halal 20 Summit in Jakarta, saying the council could help address differences in halal standards, certification and accreditation that create barriers to trade within ASEAN. - September 25, 2026
