Kuala Lumpur, 19 September 2025 — Malaysia has raised its sights for the halal industry under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), aiming to boost halal exports to RM80 billion and increase the sector’s contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 11% by 2030. The announcement, made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, underlines the government’s commitment to make halal a major pillar of economic growth.
Anwar emphasised that the halal industry is among the high-impact sectors that will receive special focus under 13MP. Other priority areas include financial services, tourism, the creative industries, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). To support growth, the government is accelerating roles such as establishing a Malaysian Halal Commission and building Halal Industrial Parks in states such as Melaka, Perak, and Kelantan to strengthen the production base and manufacturing ecosystem.
Progress So Far and Strategy Measures
The halal sector has already made inroads. In the first half of 2025, Malaysia recorded US$7 billion in halal exports — roughly 16.1% of national exports — underlining the value of the sector to trade earnings. Key products driving growth include halal food & beverages, halal ingredients, and palm oil derivatives.
To reach the RM80 billion export goal, the government plans to enhance the halal ecosystem via several routes: boosting certification capacity, improving supply chain traceability, expanding industrial infrastructure (through halal parks), and helping MSMEs scale up more efficiently. Digitalization, logistics integration, and strengthening regulatory standards are also part of the plan.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the target is ambitious, there are challenges ahead. These include rising global competition, ensuring halal certifications are recognised overseas, and maintaining consistency in product quality, especially for newer categories like cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and halal tech services. Additionally, upgrading logistics and addressing non-tariff trade barriers will be crucial for market access.
Still, the opportunities are substantial. With global demand for halal products continuing to rise — not just among Muslim populations but also from consumers seeking ethical, environmentally friendly goods — Malaysia is well-positioned. The planned infrastructure additions, regulatory enhancements, and industry support under 13MP are intended to enable Malaysian companies to compete globally and capture more of the shareholder value in the halal economy.
