4,000 Companies Expand Globally with Government-Backed “Madani Digital Trade”
KUALA LUMPUR, 25 SEPTEMBER 2025 (THURSDAY) - The Government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s competitiveness in the global marketplace by urging local companies to adopt digital tools in conducting trade and export.
YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, during the opening of the Global Halal Summit (GHaS) on 19 September 2025, reiterated the importance of the MADANI Digital Trade (MDT) platform in strengthening Malaysia’s competitiveness in the global marketplace. YAB Prime Minister emphasised that MDT will serve as an essential enabler for trade digitalisation, Small Medium Enterprise (SME) empowerment and enhanced integration into global supply chains, reflecting the Government’s aspiration to uplift businesses through innovation and digital connectivity.
Digitalisation helps businesses improve operational efficiency, reach new markets and unlock opportunities across the digital economy and international trade.
Since its launch, MDT has seen strong adoption and measurable outcomes with nearly 4,000 Malaysian companies have onboarded the platform. To support this shift, MIHAS 2025 has fully leveraged the MDT platform that optimises cross-border business matching for 600 Malaysian Halal exporters, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with 300 international buyers.
YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), in his address during the launch of MDT on 13 March 2025, highlighted that MDT would be a catalyst for trade facilitation. He noted that the platform will streamline export processes, reduce costs, and promote inclusivity for SMEs in the international arena.
MDT assumes a role in facilitating, modernising and digitalising cross-border trade processes so that goods and services can move faster, more cost-effectively and efficiently. The platform also provides access to key trade facilitation such as customs declarations for imports, exports and e-Commerce transactions, thereby enhancing compliance and streamlining trade operations.
MATRADE, as lead agency, will work closely with relevant government agencies, including the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD) as well as Malaysia’s trade ecosystem partners through digital transformation across logistics, insurance and finance. RMCD plays a crucial role in facilitating seamless trade processes by integrating digital solutions into customs operations, reducing inefficiencies and improving the overall trade facilitation framework. This initiative not only strengthens Malaysia’s position in international trade but also promotes economic growth by fostering a more transparent, efficient, and technology-driven trade environment.
A priority for MDT is to empower MSMEs with digital tools and resources to speed up their readiness for cross-border trade. With intelligent business matching and trade facilitation services, MSMEs can take part more actively in international markets and integrate into global supply chains.
Built on big data analytics, cloud computing and artificial intelligence, MDT is positioned to become an intelligent trade platform and a major support for Malaysia’s Halal industry. The virtual International Sourcing Programme (INSP) in conjunction with MIHAS, has also utilised MDT and will run until November 2025.
As Malaysia navigates a changing global trade landscape, MATRADE remains committed to supporting businesses in their digital transformation. The MADANI Digital Trade platform marks an important milestone to ensure Malaysian companies are equipped to succeed in the digital economy and to reinforce Malaysia’s position in global trade.
