Matrade

KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2025 is expected to attract over 45,000 trade visitors and will feature 2,300 booths representing 45 countries.

Scheduled for Sept 17 to 20 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), MIHAS has grown significantly since its inaugural edition in 2004, which drew 17,254 visitors from 42 countries. In 2023, it earned a Guinness World Records title for attracting the highest number of trade visitors to a halal trade event, with 38,566 attendees.

Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said MIHAS 2025 will feature clusters such as education, Muslim-friendly hospitality and tourism, food technology and packaging, pharmaceuticals and medical, franchise, Islamic arts and crafts, logistics, and more.

“Our International Sourcing Programme (INSP) remains a key component, having hosted international buyers through pre-arranged one-on-one business meetings,” he said in his speech at a networking session with foreign missions and industry representatives here today.

The INSP had facilitated over 7,000 buyers since 2005, and generated RM2.5 billion in export sales in 2024.

In conjunction with Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship, Reezal Merican noted that MIHAS 2025 will feature a special ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council Pavilion to recognise the contributions of dialogue partners to halal development, strengthen trade linkages, and promote cross-border partnerships.

He highlighted that MIHAS 2025, themed “Pinnacle of Halal Excellence”, will utilise the newly launched MADANI Digital Trade (MDT) platform.

This artificial intelligence (AI)-driven system optimises cross-border matchmaking and enhances global access for Malaysian halal exporters, particularly the small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

“International buyers can access the platform to connect with reliable Malaysian suppliers, with MDT facilitating genuine transactions and business relationships,” Reezal Merican said.

He emphasised that Malaysia has cemented its position as a leader in the global halal economy through the strict enforcement of halal standards.

“Malaysia was the first country to document halal standards — now emulated by others — and under the oversight of the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), our halal logo is recognised for integrity and established standards.

“Over 9,000 companies are certified by JAKIM, with 82 per cent of them being SMEs,” said Reezal Merican, adding that the Malaysia Halal trademark is recognised in nearly 50 countries and supported by 85 halal certification bodies across 47 countries. — BERNAMA

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