The Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) is a leading international trade event that brings together local and international businesses, buyers and sellers in the halal industry to explore business opportunities and expand their halal products and services in the global market. MIHAS plays a crucial role in fostering growth for local and international businesses in the halal industry, significantly contributing to the global halal economy.

Since its inception in 2004, MIHAS has grown into the world’s largest halal showcase, featuring fourteen clusters, which includes food and beverage, cosmetics, halal ingredients, tourism, finance and more. With the theme “Globalising Halal Innovations”, this year’s MIHAS is focused on assisting local and international businesses to explore innovative and sustainable initiatives to drive steady growth in the halal economy.

The launch of MIHAS 2024 was officiated by YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, on 17 September at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre. The Prime Minister highlighted the growing halal market, noting that many countries in the Middle East, Europe, and ASEAN are recognising its significance and are seeking to enhance trade and investments in the halal sector. It was emphasised that halal extends beyond the exclusion of pork and alcohol, and has increasingly been associated with food safety, cleanliness, efficacy and the avoidance of harmful ingredients.

YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, at the MIHAS 2024 opening ceremony.

At the opening ceremony, it was announced that MIHAS holds the Guinness World Record for the largest attendance in a halal trade show, achieving a record of 38,566 visitors in the 2023 edition of the event. The award was presented by Justin Patterson, official adjudicator of the Guinness World Records, to YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul bin Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry.

Presentation of the Guinness World Record to YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul bin Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry.

The National Halal Development Icon was also awarded to YABhg. Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in recognition of his contributions to the growth and globalisation of the halal industry. The special recognition award was presented by YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim to Tan Sri Kamaluddin Abdullah, who received it on behalf of the former prime minister.

Given the increased demand for halal products globally, MIHAS is a key event for members of the Malaysia Business Group to capitalise on the growing halal market and enhance their global reach. The Malaysia Business Group occupied a total booth space of 135sqm during MIHAS 2024, with fourteen companies exhibiting under its pavilion. The companies showcased a range of halal food and beverage products, such as sparkling beverages, flavoured concentrates, ready-to-cook foods, food ingredients, spices and seasonings, sauces, snacks and confectionery.

Markaids (M) Sdn Bhd, one of the companies under the Malaysia Business Group pavilion, is a leading manufacturer of speciality food ingredients. They offer innovative and custom food solutions designed to enhance product performance by improving the taste, texture, appearance and nutrition. For instance, their MochiQ™ Premix produces mochis that are consistently soft and chewy, maintaining its taste and texture even under chilled and frozen conditions.

Markaids (M) Sdn Bhd, manufacturer of speciality food ingredients, at the Malaysia International Halal Showcase 2024.

West Malayan Group Sdn Bhd is a manufacturer of various sauces, pastes, and seasonings that cater to both Asian and Western tastes. Their aromatic and flavourful products are crafted from authentic, high-quality ingredients to ensure exceptional taste and excellence. Their offerings include tom yam paste, Thai chilli paste, tamarind paste, nacho cheese sauce, pasta sauce and more.

West Malayan Group Bhd, manufacturer of sauces and pastes, at the Malaysia International Halal Showcase 2024.

MIHAS 2024 achieved RM4.3 billion in sales, surpassing last year’s record of RM3.2 billion by 34 percent. The event attracted 43,353 trade visitors from 90 countries and featured 2,028 booths from 66 countries. The International Sourcing Programme (INSP), which facilitates business meetings between Malaysian suppliers and international buyers, has successfully connected 330 international buyers with 800 local sellers, generating RM2.52 billion in potential sourcing value. Additionally, the Hosted Buyers Programme was introduced at MIHAS this year to foster cross-border trade relationships. The programme facilitated 255 business meetings and connected 50 local buyers with 152 international exhibitors, resulting in RM945 million in sales.

About Malaysia Business Group (MBG)

Malaysia Business Group (MBG) is an export conglomerate for Malaysian food and beverage (F&B) manufacturers. Established in 2019, MBG was formed with the vision to first unite the Malaysian F&B manufacturers and companies for export growth, positioning us as the competitive global trading partner.

Read more on the Malaysia Business Group’s participation at MIHAS 2024 here.

References

Matrade (25 September 2024). MIHAS 2024 Exceeds Expectations, Boosts Malaysia's Global Halal Position. Link.