Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation

KUALA LUMPUR, SEPTEMBER 25 (WEDNESDAY) – The Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2024 garnered sales of RM4.3 billion, surpassing the 2023 sales of RM3.2 billion by 34%. This accomplishment underscores MIHAS' significant role as a global hub for the Halal industry.

Organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and hosted by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), MIHAS 2024 was held from 17 to 20 September 2024 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC). The showcase attracted 43,353 visitors from over 90 countries. The trade fair also featured 2,028 booths from 66 countries, showcasing products and services across 14 distinct clusters under the theme "Globalising Halal Innovations".

Reflecting on the outcome of MIHAS 2024, Yang Berhormat Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of MITI said: "MIHAS has positively contributed towards the objectives of the Halal Industry Master Plan 2030 (HIMP 2030) and the New Industrial Masterplan 2030 (NIMP 2030). Beyond the immediate RM4.3 billion in sales, what is equally important is how MIHAS fosters further public-private collaboration to keep strengthening our Halal industry ecosystem and help more Malaysian companies go global. With the debut of MIHAS@Dubai this coming November, we expect the Malaysian Halal industry to expand further in the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) market, home to around 20% of the world's Muslim population.”  

Agricultural produce accounted for the largest share of this year's sales at 26.3%, followed by Prepared Food with 26.1% and Beverages at 12.5%. Other emerging sectors such as Pharmaceutical, Toiletries & Cosmetics and Packaging & Containers are among the top.

Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul expressed his appreciation for MATRADE's efforts in organising MIHAS 2024, with significant commercial outcomes. He commended MATRADE’s leadership and the collective effort of the team, comprising personnel from the organisation's headquarters to its 49 offices across the globe. 

MIHAS has evolved from a conventional exhibition into a significant platform that facilitates industry networking and fosters new opportunities and partnerships. The International Sourcing Programme (INSP), conducted both in-person alongside MIHAS on 18 September 2024 and virtually since 15 February 2024, has linked 330 international buyers with 800 local sellers, generating RM2.52 billion in potential sourcing value. This figure may increase, as the virtual INSP is set to continue until 30 November 2024.

The physical component of INSP at MATRADE facilitated 3,000 business meetings, including 20 premium buyers from countries such as the USA, India, the UK, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. This provided Malaysian exporters with opportunities to explore new markets and strengthen their international presence.

MATRADE expanded its initiatives at MIHAS 2024 by introducing the Hosted Buyers’ Programme alongside the established INSP. Running from 17 to 19 September, this new programme facilitated 255 business meetings, connecting 50 local buyers with 152 foreign exhibitors. The focus was on sourcing various products, including food and beverages, machinery, food ingredients, packaging and cosmetics. The programme attracted participants from more than 20 countries, with representation from China, Thailand, Indonesia, South Korea, Vietnam and Palestine. This international engagement generated RM945 million in sales over the three days, demonstrating the programme's role in fostering cross-border trade relationships.

Yang Berhormat Dato' Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican noted: "The sales trajectory this year demonstrates MIHAS's role in strengthening international trade relations for both Malaysian businesses and the global Halal industry. It has proven to be an effective platform for bringing together market players and creating sustainable global supply chains."

"MIHAS 2024 was not just about sales; it was also about building connections and partnerships. The trade fair witnessed the signing of 24 Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between Malaysian and international organisations and companies worth RM111 million, highlighting the potential of Malaysia's Halal ecosystem. 

A total of 26 media agencies from 16 countries attended MIHAS 2024. These prominent media outlets provided coverage of key events at MIHAS, including the International Sourcing Programme (INSP), the Opening Ceremony, the Knowledge Hub, the MIHAS’ Awards and various other events. Notable participating media agencies included China Global Television Network (CGTN), Taiwan Plus (Taiwan), Oumma (France), Hong Kong Ta Kung Wen Wei Media Group (Hong Kong), The Daily Sun (India) and The Halal Times (Japan), among others.

Dato' Seri Reezal also acknowledged the contributions of MIHAS’ sponsors, including Allanasons Private Limited, CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad, Nestlé Malaysia, F&N Holdings Berhad, Malaysia Airlines Berhad and Pos Malaysia, whose support helped ensure the event's success.