Malaysia enhances Halal Framework to attract global investors

New strategy focuses on industrial parks, digital platforms, and business integration to strengthen Malaysia’s role as a halal hub

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (MNTV) — Malaysia is taking steps to enhance its Halal Malaysia Framework as part of a broader strategy to position itself as a global leader in the halal industry, the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI) announced.

MITI Deputy Minister Liew Chin Tong stated that the government is working to make halal industrial parks more industry-friendly to attract strategic investments and facilitate business expansion.

The initiative includes four key measures: increasing promotional activities for halal industrial parks, improving support and facilitation services, enhancing shared services, and promoting business integration through digital platforms.

Additionally, the Halal Development Corporation (HDC) is conducting a study to refine the Halal Malaysia (HALMAS) framework, with a specific focus on the Tanjung Manis Halal Hub in Sarawak.

This review, supported by a private consulting firm, aims to identify industry challenges and is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2025.

Responding to a query from Tanjong Manis MP Yusuf Abd Wahab about international promotion efforts for the Sarawak halal hub, Liew assured that MITI and HDC remain committed to strengthening and expanding Malaysia’s halal sector, aligning with the Halal Industry Master Plan 2030.

Currently, Malaysia has 14 HALMAS-certified halal industrial parks covering 5,484.7 hectares.

Of this, 841.2 hectares (15.3%) have been developed, attracting RM16.75 billion ($3.54 billion) in investments from 361 companies, including 51 multinational corporations and 310 small and medium enterprises.