KUALA LUMPUR, TUESDAY, 19 SEPTEMBER 2023 – The 19th edition of the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS 2023), the world’s largest Halal exhibition, hosted by Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI) and organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) successfully recorded RM3.11 billion in sales. This exceeded its target of RM2.5 billion by 24 percent, further underscoring its significance as a premier global trade platform for the Halal industry. 

The MIHAS showcase took place between 11 – 15 September 2023. The sales were contributed by business deals concluded from two MIHAS key programmes, namely the International Sourcing Programme (INSP) organised on 11 September 2023 for Malaysian exporters, and the signature trade exhibition involving exhibitors from 44 countries between 12 – 15 September 2023. MIHAS 2023’s focus on elements of sustainability and digitalisation has further enhanced its value to the global Halal community, by facilitating and accelerating the mainstreaming of the Halal ecosystem into global supply chains. 

Preliminary calculations showed that the INSP – MATRADEs flagship programme – achieved sales worth RM1.22 billion, while the exhibitors garnered total sales of RM1.89 billion. These preliminary sales figures could potentially increase as the virtual INSP business matching lasts until 30 November 2023. 

The exhibition covered 13 Halal segments and the business matching involved companies in all sectors, resulting opening market access for Malaysian companies in some of the largest supermarket chains in the world including Walmart, Aldi, Asda, Marks & Spencer, Guardian, Sainsbury, and Woolworth. It also provided access to Malaysian companies to global markets where Malaysia currently does not have strong presence, such as Romania, Poland and Morocco. 

YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul, the MITI Minister noted that 

Malaysia’s Halal Industry Master Plan 2030 targets an industry contribution of RM266 billion, or 11% of Malaysia’s GDP by 2030. In achieving this, we will continue to build on the momentum generated by MIHAS 2023, particularly in facilitating market access for our Halal industry players to major supply chains globally. The commendable RM3.11-billion sales achievement, which surpassed our target by 24 percent, proves that MIHAS is still the premier global Halal platform.

Most importantly, in line with our New Industrial Master Plan 2030’s economic security and inclusivity agenda, platforms like MIHAS also contribute significantly to the government’s objective of internationalising micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and strengthening Malaysia’s position as the Halal hub in Asia. We are committed to promoting sustainable growth and ensuring that the Halal industry continues to thrive in a responsible and environmentally friendly manner,

He added that this achievement was also due to the leadership shown by MATRADE’s Chairman YB Dato’ Sri Reezal Merican Naina Merican and its CEO YBhg. Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz, as well as the tireless and relentless effort by everyone at MATRADE including their staff at MATRADE’s 46 overseas offices. 

YB Dato’ Sri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, MATRADE’s Chairman pointed out that MIHAS 2023 also placed due emphasis on collaboration on all fronts. “For example, more than 30 MoUs were exchanged between Malaysian and foreign organisations throughout MIHAS. MATRADE also expended considerable effort to engage other government organisations, resulting in the participation of 34 Federal and state agencies in this year’s MIHAS,” he noted. 

“We are proud to have played our part in MIHAS 2023’s success. Not surprisingly more than 800 exhibitors have already expressed their interest in participating in MIHAS 2024 scheduled for September 17 – 20, 2024, proving its key role in advancing and elevating the global Halal industry,” YB Dato’ Sri Reezal Merican Naina Merican concluded. 

MIHAS 2023 which took place at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) attracted a total of 38,566 visitors from over 100 countries, surpassing the anticipated 35,000 visitors. Among them, 29,090 attended in person, while 9,476 joined virtually. 

The in-person INSP, which took place at MATRADE, connected 469 Malaysian companies with 231 international buyers from 44 countries, including 11 premium buyers. This initiative facilitated a total of 2,788 business meetings.