Malaysia, Indonesia Establish Joint Halal Council
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced the formation of the Malaysia-Indonesia Halal Council to strengthen halal diplomacy between the two countries.
BERNAMA reported that Ahmad Zahid said the council would be led by Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH), while Malaysia would serve as the council’s secretary-general, with the first meeting scheduled for October 2026.
“Next month, the focus will be on facilitating halal certification between Malaysia and Indonesia to streamline bilateral halal trade between the two countries,” he said in his speech at the Global Halal Summit 2026 in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, as quoted by ANTARA.
Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia and Indonesia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in 2023. He added that bilateral negotiations to facilitate halal certification and trade between the two countries concluded in June 2026.
According to him, closer cooperation can identify practical methods to facilitate trade, reduce duplication, and connect companies with regional supply chains. “The goal of halal diplomacy is for both sides to leverage the trust that has been built to open markets, facilitate investment and create opportunities together,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid said this cooperation will ultimately result in fewer barriers, easier market access, and more companies engaging in cross-border trade. He believes small producers need a clearer path to finding overseas buyers and that companies with halal certification should be given the support they need to fulfill their first export orders.
“The future of halal depends on how well we can connect with one another and build that trust going forward,” he said, adding that Malaysia aims to increase halal exports to approximately RM80 billion ringgit (Rp351 trillion) by 2030.
Ahmad Zahid stated that the halal industry contributes about 11 percent to Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP), yet only 14.7 percent of halal-certified companies are exporters.
“To realise our aspirations, we need to help more of these companies compete overseas. Certification is only the beginning of that journey. Companies also need consistent production, suitable packaging, working capital, reliable logistics and an understanding of their target markets,” he said.
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