Kuala lumpur: The halal industry has evolved beyond food and beverages into a comprehensive ecosystem spanning healthcare, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, tourism, and Islamic finance, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, emphasized that the sector reflects a broader commitment to integrity, ethics, and faith-based values, making halal an international symbol of trust and a key contributor to Malaysia's economic growth. "Halal is more than just a label. It is the best practical showcase of what dakwah is all about, giving a message through our actions, our character, and our belief in integrity and accountability," he stated during his opening remarks at the Global Halal Summit (GHaS) 2025 and Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) today.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who also chairs the Malaysian Halal Industry Development Council, was present at the event. Other notable attendees included Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, and Chief Secretary to the Government (KSN) Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
The Prime Minister highlighted that halal products and services are gaining traction globally, even in predominantly non-Muslim countries such as China, driven by decades of effort and growing consumer demand. He revealed that nearly 10,000 companies, with over 80 per cent being small and medium enterprises, have received certification from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim).
Anwar also noted that Malaysia's halal certification is now registered and recognized in almost 50 countries. Jakim has been collaborating with more than 80 accredited bodies across 45 countries, underscoring its global acceptance. Looking ahead, he mentioned that the government aims to continue proactively positioning the halal industry as a universal economic model in all trade missions and bilateral engagements, irrespective of whether they involve Muslim or non-Muslim majority nations.