KUALA LUMPUR, 26 August 2026 — The Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026 is embracing artificial intelligence across Malaysia’s Halal ecosystem, reflecting the growing role of technology in the industry.
Meanwhile, the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) has raised the event’s overall sales target from RM4.5 billion to RM5 billion, citing the overwhelming response from international buyers as one of the factors behind the revision, with more than 500 applications received against an initial target of 300.
Speaking at a joint press conference by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and MATRADE, MATRADE’s Chief Executive Officer YBhg. Dato’ Indera Abu Bakar Yusof said the strong response had given MATRADE confidence to raise its target. The initial RM4.5 billion target for 2026 was already above the RM4.3 billion target set for MIHAS in 2025.
MIHAS 2026 will take place from 23 to 26 September at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur.
AI Speeds Up Halal Certification
JAKIM is leveraging AI to accelerate Halal certification applications and reduce the need for officers to manually verify documents one by one.
JAKIM’s Director General YBhg. Dato’ Dr. Sirajuddin bin Suhaimee said the technology is intended to make the process easier for industry applicants while helping JAKIM conduct audits more quickly and effectively.
AI assists in checking submitted documentation, including determining whether documents are genuine. This reduces manual document verification and helps speed up the application and certification process.
The move is part of Malaysia’s wider effort to ensure its Halal certification system keeps pace with technological and industrial developments.
He also said that Malaysia’s Halal standards are not static and are updated every five years to reflect the latest technologies being used by industry.
This continuous development is becoming increasingly important as Malaysia faces greater competition from other Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries developing their own Halal industries and certification capabilities.
AI Connects Buyers, Sellers and Suppliers
AI is also being introduced on the commercial side of MIHAS 2026 through an application designed to connect buyers, sellers, suppliers and potential business partners.
MATRADE’s Chief Executive Officer YBhg. Dato’ Indera Abu Bakar Yusof said the platform will complement MATRADE’s physical business-matching programme, allowing buyers to communicate with potential sellers and suppliers while international companies can identify potential partners.
The technology is intended to make business matching faster and more efficient as MIHAS attracts greater international participation.
Halal Goes Beyond Food and Animal Slaughter
The understanding of Halal has changed significantly since MIHAS began in 2004.
Halal was once widely associated primarily with animal slaughter and religious dietary requirements. Today, it encompasses a wider process involving ingredients, hygiene, quality, production and integrity throughout the supply chain.
JAKIM’s Director General YBhg. Dato’ Dr. Sirajuddin said confidence in Malaysia’s Halal certification also extends beyond Muslim consumers, with Halal increasingly associated with hygiene, quality and integrity.
The industry itself has expanded beyond conventional food and beverages into sectors including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and medical devices, reflecting growing demand across a wider range of industries.
JAKIM Certification Builds International Trust
Malaysia’s Halal certification system is supported by government oversight, enforcement and regular audits, helping safeguard the integrity of Halal-certified businesses.
This government-backed framework has contributed to the international trust associated with JAKIM Halal certification and that recognition also supports Malaysia’s position as a gateway for international companies seeking access to global Halal markets. Foreign companies can establish operations in Malaysia, obtain Malaysian Halal certification and use the country as a platform for products intended for international markets.
MATRADE’s network of 47 overseas trade offices further supports Malaysia’s international trade reach.
Expanding Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs
MIHAS 2026 is also opening more opportunities for women entrepreneurs and women-owned businesses seeking to enter international Halal markets.
Through the Women in Export (WiEX) initiative, women-led companies will be able to develop their export capabilities and connect with international business opportunities.
The programme forms part of efforts to broaden participation in Malaysia’s Halal economy and help more businesses expand beyond the domestic market.
Towards RM80 Billion in Halal Exports
Under the 13th Malaysia Plan, the Malaysian Government is targeting an increase in Halal export value to RM80 billion by 2030.
The target comes as Malaysia seeks to expand its Halal industry internationally while preserving the credibility that has been built around its certification system.
MIHAS 2026 reflects that direction, bringing together technological innovation, international trade and Malaysia’s established Halal framework.
With JAKIM using AI to accelerate certification and document verification, MIHAS introducing AI-assisted business connections, and MATRADE raising this year’s sales target to RM5 billion, Malaysia is increasingly turning to technology to support the next phase of its Halal industry’s international growth.
