Malaysia Calls for Shift from Halal-Certified to Halal-Competitive as ASEAN Targets USD5 Trillion Global Halal Economy
Malaysia is shifting its national strategy from being merely halal-certified to becoming 'halal-competitive' to capture a larger share of the $5 trillion global halal economy. The government is pushing for an ASEAN Halal Council to integrate regional supply chains.
Why it matters
This shift signals a move toward industrializing Islamic economic sectors, potentially creating new global trade standards and investment opportunities.
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia , Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Malaysia has called for a decisive shift from being merely halal-certified to becoming halal-competitive, as the country and ASEAN seek to capture greater opportunities in the global halal economy projected to reach USD5 trillion.
Delivering the keynote address at the World Halal Business Conference (WHBC 2026), Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), YB Senator Dr. Zulkifli Hasan , said Malaysia's leadership in the global Islamic economy must translate into greater trade, investment, innovation and international business opportunities.
Malaysia retained the number one position in the Global Islamic Economy Indicator (GIEI) for the 12th consecutive year, while its halal exports reached RM68.52 billion in 2025, growing 10.9 per cent year-on-year.
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