PUTATAN: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi called on Malaysian entrepreneurs, particularly Bumiputera and women-led businesses, to seize opportunities in the rapidly growing global halal market, projected to reach USD5 trillion by 2030.
He said the halal industry was no longer limited to Muslims but had become a global benchmark for quality, hygiene and safety, attracting demand from both Islamic and non-Islamic countries.
“Halal products are not just for Muslims. They follow strict standards and procedures that guarantee cleanliness and safety. Today, even non-Muslim countries are recognising their value,” Zahid said.
He said after officiating a program of Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) Women Empowerment and a seminar “Kenegaraan Malaysia” at Putatan Platinum Hotel, here, recently.
Citing data showing global demand for halal products at USD3 trillion in 2020, Zahid said Malaysia must move beyond focusing solely on the food and beverage (F&B) sector and explore new areas such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and raw materials used in halal manufacturing.
He noted that entrepreneurs should diversify instead of competing in saturated segments.
“Everyone wants to produce the same products like chilli sauce or soy sauce. We must shift focus to other halal-based products with bigger export potential – such as health supplements, cosmetics, and medicinal ingredients,” he said.
Zahid also highlighted Malaysia’s inability to meet high international demand for certain raw products like lemongrass, which are in short supply despite large overseas orders.
“One major country requested 10 containers of lemongrass every month, but we couldn’t even supply half a container,” he said, urging local producers to scale up production and rethink their strategies.
To help entrepreneurs reach global markets, Zahid said Mara has launched a new initiative called “Gate to Global”, aimed at promoting Malaysian-made products under a unified national brand.
“Our products should not only serve the domestic market. They must be marketed abroad under one strong brand that represents Malaysia,” he said, adding that Mara would support businesses in developing their export capacity and branding.
He added that Sabah’s women entrepreneurs would play a key role in the initiative, saying their focus and determination made them ideal leaders in Malaysia’s push toward global competitiveness.
“When Sabahans are given opportunities, they know exactly what to do for the success of their people and their state,” Zahid said.
He also emphasised that Malaysia’s future economic strength lies in building capable entrepreneurs who can compete globally while maintaining halal integrity, which he described as a “mark of excellence” that the world increasingly values.
