Malaysia as a Global Halal Hub: JAKIM, HDC, and MIHAS 2026

Malaysia's Halal Ecosystem: A 25-Year Strategy

Malaysia's dominance in the global halal industry is not accidental — it is the result of deliberate, sustained government policy spanning more than two decades. Through a combination of certification infrastructure, trade promotion, dedicated industrial parks, and global relationship-building, Malaysia has built an ecosystem that no other country has fully replicated.

For companies operating in the global halal market, understanding Malaysia's halal institutions is essential. JAKIM certification is the most widely recognised halal credential globally. HDC-supported companies have access to resources and market development support available nowhere else. And MIHAS — the Malaysia International Halal Showcase — remains the most important dedicated halal trade show on the global calendar.

JAKIM: The World's Benchmark Halal Certification Authority

JAKIM (Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia — Department of Islamic Development Malaysia) is the Malaysian government body responsible for halal certification. JAKIM's significance extends far beyond Malaysia's borders: JAKIM certification is recognised by import authorities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and most other GCC states, as well as by food retailers and buyers across the OIC.

JAKIM does not only certify Malaysian companies. Through its network of recognised foreign certification bodies — over 60 bodies in more than 45 countries — JAKIM effectively sets the global standard for halal certification. A product certified by a JAKIM-recognised foreign body benefits from the credibility of JAKIM recognition across all markets that accept JAKIM.

For companies seeking JAKIM certification, the process involves application through the MyeHALAL system, factory audit by JAKIM-authorised auditors, product and ingredient review, and certificate issuance. Certificates are issued for one to two years and are subject to renewal audits. The JAKIM logo is one of the most recognised halal marks among Muslim consumers globally.

HDC: The Halal Industry Development Corporation

HDC (Halal Industry Development Corporation) is the Malaysian government body responsible for the development of Malaysia's halal industry, separate from certification (which sits with JAKIM). HDC's mandate covers the development of Halal Industry Parks across Malaysia, trade and investment promotion for halal businesses, capacity building and training programmes, and market development support for Malaysian halal exporters.

For international companies interested in establishing a halal manufacturing base in Malaysia, HDC is the primary point of contact. Malaysia's Halal Industry Parks — in Selangor, Penang, Sabah, and other states — offer purpose-built manufacturing facilities, shared infrastructure, and fast-track access to JAKIM certification. Companies based in these parks benefit from a supportive regulatory environment and proximity to the logistics infrastructure supporting Malaysia's halal export capabilities.

MIHAS: The World's Premier Halal Trade Show

MIHAS (Malaysia International Halal Showcase) is the world's largest dedicated halal trade exhibition. Held annually at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur, MIHAS consistently attracts over 2,800 booths from 60+ countries and more than 43,000 trade visitors across four days.

What distinguishes MIHAS from other food trade shows with halal sections is its complete halal mandate — every product and company at MIHAS must hold valid halal certification. This creates a uniquely concentrated environment for halal-specific business development, certification sourcing, and OIC-wide market access.

MIHAS 2026 is scheduled for September 2026 at MITEC, Kuala Lumpur. For halal food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, packaging companies, and logistics providers targeting the OIC market, MIHAS is the most cost-effective global trade show investment available.

Explore our events calendar for MIHAS 2026 registration information and exhibitor packages.