Sabah Targets International Markets with Stronger Halal Industry Push

28 September 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The State Government is committed to strengthening the halal industry as one of the key sectors with vast potential to drive Sabah’s economy, while opening more opportunities for local entrepreneurs to penetrate international markets.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said the halal industry is expanding rapidly, with global trade valued at billions of dollars, making it a major contributor to international commerce.

In this regard, he urged all stakeholders, the state government, relevant agencies, the private sector, and the entrepreneurial community – to work hand in hand to reinforce Sabah’s halal industry ecosystem.

“The halal industry can only succeed if we move forward together. With comprehensive support, Sabah’s entrepreneurs have strong potential to break into overseas markets,” he said when launching the MyHalal Day Sabah 2025 programme at Dewan Sa’adah, Wisma MUIS, on Sunday.

His speech was delivered on his behalf by State Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif.

According to him, the State Government, through the Office of the Deputy State Secretary (Special Tasks) in collaboration with the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (MUIS), has allocated RM5,000 to support cottage and micro entrepreneurs.

Hajiji said the assistance would be provided in the form of basic equipment to improve business operations. However, interested entrepreneurs must first undergo the Islamic Food Handling Course conducted by the MUIS Halal Hub.

“Halal certification is not only a mark of quality, cleanliness, and product integrity, but it is also the key to accessing the growing halal market in Sabah, Malaysia, and internationally.

“By venturing into the halal industry, entrepreneurs can enhance their competitiveness at the global level. Therefore, Sabah’s halal industry, particularly involving SMEs, will continue to be strengthened and safeguarded through the MUIS Halal Hub,” he added.

He expressed hope that the MyHalal Day programme would produce more competitive halal entrepreneurs while positioning Sabah as one of the leading players in the regional halal industry.

Hajiji noted that the three-day MyHalal Day, which began on Friday, brought significant benefits to entrepreneurs through various activities, including halal clinics, food handling courses, halal digital talks, and banking sessions on halal certification support.

“Such programmes raise awareness among entrepreneurs to apply for halal certification and equip them with essential knowledge to strengthen their product competitiveness,” he explained.