Malaysia Proposes ASEAN Halal Council to Boost Regional Industry

Malaysia Proposes ASEAN Halal Council to Boost Regional Industry
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Malaysia has called for the establishment of an ASEAN Halal Council next year to strengthen cooperation among Southeast Asian countries in the halal industry, facilitate trade, and expand market opportunities.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Malaysia is ready to host the council’s secretariat if approved by ASEAN members and partners, emphasizing the need to move from discussions to creating a formal regional institution. Indonesia has been proposed as the first country to chair the council.

The proposal, initially discussed by Malaysia and Indonesia, has been submitted to the ASEAN Secretariat and is expected to be presented for final approval at the ASEAN Summit in Manila.

The planned council would focus on improving coordination in halal certification, standards, and trade, while supporting the growth of a regional halal market serving around 700 million people.

Malaysian officials said the initiative could become a step toward broader international cooperation in halal development, with further discussions expected during the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) later this month.