Latest news with #AseanHalalCouncil
The Star
18-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Malaysia set to be halal hub for NZ products
WELLINGTON: Malaysia is poised to be a hub for halal products from New Zealand to enter the Asean market, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The Deputy Prime Minister said this comes after two organisations in New Zealand, which have obtained recognition from the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim), expressed interest in using Malaysia as a springboard to widen their export market. 'I have given them the opportunity to use Malaysia as a hub for the distribution of halal products from New Zealand to Asean nations,' he said after attending the Malaysia-New Zealand Halal Forum here yesterday. Ahmad Zahid said he had also proposed to halal industry players from New Zealand to attend the Malaysia International Halal Showcase 2025, which will be held in September in Kuala Lumpur. 'An announcement will be made during the event on joint efforts to set up the Asean Halal Council, comprising representation from Asean and Asean Plus. 'We invited the bodies that have obtained Jakim recognition to be part of the council,' he added. Ahmad Zahid said the goal of the council is to standardise halal certification among Asean nations as well as those in the surrounding region. 'This will be brought up as an agenda during the Asean Summit this October,' he added. Ahmad Zahid also said there is talk among several countries under the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to reactivate the dormant World Halal Council to include both Muslim and non-Muslim majority nations involved in halal products. He said this is crucial as the global halal market is expected to grow from the current US$1.3 trillion (RM5.5 trillion) annually to US$3.7 trillion (RM14.3 trillion) in 2030. 'The market is expected to grow to US$5 trillion (RM21.2 trillion) by 2050. 'Malaysia intends to tap 5% of this market,' he added. During the forum earlier, New Zealand's Biosecurity and Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard said Malaysia is a significant market for premium halal meat products, with exports of more than NZ$60mil (RM151mil). 'Malaysia is facilitating the approval of several New Zealand halal meat premises seeking first-time access to this market, which is crucial to growing exports,' he said. Earlier, Ahmad Zahid and Hoggard witnessed the exchange of letters of intent between Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and the University of Canterbury. The partnership aims to strengthen academic and research collaboration, including student and staff mobility.
New Straits Times
18-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Zahid shrugs off critics, cements strategic ties in New Zealand
WELLINGTON: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has opted to remain focused on serving the people and the nation rather than paying heed to criticism levelled at him during his five-day working visit to New Zealand, which concludes today. He acknowledged that any initiative he undertook was often met with disapproval from the opposition — an inevitable facet of political life. "If it's something good, ask a friend. If it's not, ask an enemy. An enemy is someone who dislikes us. No matter what good we do, they will never see it as such. "Criticism is part and parcel of politics — whether one is a minister, deputy prime minister, or even the prime minister travelling abroad. Such cynicism should not be entertained. "What matters is the knowledge we gain in fields yet to be developed in our country, which we can explore and adapt for our benefit. "Don't be arrogant, don't be boastful, don't be conceited. These attitudes are damaging — particularly when such cynicism comes from those who claim to be deeply religious," he said at a press conference this morning summarising his visit. Also present were Malaysia's High Commissioner to New Zealand Mazita Marzuki and the Foreign Ministry's Secretary for the Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Oceania Division John K. Samuel. Reflecting on the outcomes of the visit, Zahid said numerous strategic collaborations were established — including those aimed at empowering the rights and welfare of the Indigenous community, as well as initiatives in halal industry development, education, agriculture, trade, and disaster management. He said that New Zealand had also expressed interest in joining the Asean Halal Council as an associate member, should Malaysia extend a formal invitation. The country is also expected to participate as an exhibitor at the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas) in September. Zahid chairs the Malaysian Halal Industry Development Council. New Zealand, he said, had also requested an increase in Malaysia's pineapple exports to fill a shortfall in its domestic market. In response, he plans to raise the matter with Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and instruct relevant state executive councillors in Selangor, Pahang, Johor and Melaka to scale up cultivation of the tropical fruit. During a meeting with the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand, Zahid said he received a request for the Quran to be translated into the Māori language. "They asked whether Malaysia could donate copies of the Quran in Māori. I have contacted the Restu Foundation to undertake the translation. The funding will not come from the government, but from individuals or relevant parties. "There are about 1,200 Māori Muslims. I believe this is a meaningful starting point to support them. With 96 mosques across the country, we will do what we can to assist," he said.
The Star
18-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Ahmad Zahid urges focus on nation-building despite overseas cynicism
WELLINGTON: Leaders of the Madani administration should disregard cynicism and concentrate on nation-building during their overseas engagements, urged Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi ( pic ). He stated that such scepticism often originates from opponents of the government's efforts, even when those efforts are beneficial to the nation. "If it's something good, ask your friends. But if it's something questionable, ask your enemies. It doesn't matter how good our deeds are; they will still find fault," he remarked at a press conference on Friday (July 18). Ahmad Zahid acknowledged that cynicism has become a "daily staple" for the opposition, particularly when leaders travel abroad to enhance bilateral ties and trade. "They will be cynical whether the official assignment abroad involves ministers, the deputy prime minister, or the prime minister. The important thing in these official visits is the knowledge, experience, and exposure gained in new sectors that may not yet exist in our country. These are opportunities that we can explore," he said. He criticised certain opposition leaders for using religion or alleged moral superiority to attack the government's positive efforts. "Cynicism borne out of such attitudes is dangerous, especially when cloaked in the guise of religious credibility," he added. Ahmad Zahid was responding to criticism of his five-day working visit to New Zealand to bolster bilateral and trade ties. Among the initiatives were efforts to learn from the Maori in New Zealand about managing cultural and economic affairs, including land rights. This follows proposed amendments to the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 (Act 134), which is set for significant updates after 71 years. He assured that all 377 Orang Asli leaders would be consulted for feedback on the proposed amendments, likely to be tabled in Parliament next March. This includes input from related NGOs, Orang Asli professionals, and academics. Ahmad Zahid described his visit as successful in strengthening bilateral and trade relations with New Zealand. Notably, New Zealand has agreed to join the Asean Halal Council as an associated member during the Asean Summit in October. Additionally, New Zealand companies with halal certification are invited to use Malaysia as a halal distribution hub for Asean and the surrounding region. Letters of intent were signed with seven universities in New Zealand to offer twinning programmes with two local Malaysian universities. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will also be inked between New Zealand's National Emergency Management Agency (Nema) and Malaysia's Central Disaster Management Committee (Nadma) to enhance disaster management cooperation. Ahmad Zahid's working visit to New Zealand took place from July 14 to July 18. The last high-ranking visit to New Zealand was by former Prime Minister, the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, from March 30 to April 1, 2005, aimed at boosting economic links between Malaysia and New Zealand.
New Straits Times
16-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia offers to be halal gateway for New Zealand into Asean
WELLINGTON: Malaysia has expressed its readiness to serve as the primary distribution hub for halal products from New Zealand into Asean markets, as part of efforts to strengthen the regional and global halal ecosystem, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said. The Malaysian Halal Industry Development Council chairman said two halal certification bodies in New Zealand have already been recognised by the Department of Islamic Development (Jakim) and can play a vital role in driving the export of halal products from that region. "I have invited New Zealand halal industry players to participate in Mihas (Malaysia International Halal Showcase) in December. "At that time, we will announce the establishment of the Asean Halal Council, as well as Asean Plus Three (APT), aimed at harmonising regional halal certification standards," he told a press conference after the Halal Forum and Tea Session with New Zealand's Minister for Biosecurity and Food Safety, Andrew Hoggard, here today. This marks the third day of Zahid's five-day working visit to New Zealand. He said another key strategy to facilitate New Zealand's entry into Southeast Asian markets through Malaysia is by extending halal certification recognition to organisations within the country. "I've taken the opportunity here in Wellington to push for stronger collaboration between Malaysia and New Zealand, particularly on promoting Asean halal products into the Asia-Pacific region," he said. He said the collaboration is vital to supporting growth in the global halal market, which is projected to reach US$5 trillion (RM21.22 trillion) by 2050, with Malaysia targeting at least a five per cent share of the global market. Zahid said the halal industry should expand beyond the food and beverage sector to include cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, Islamic banking, insurance, vaccines, gelatin and more. "Halal is not just for Muslims, it is a universal symbol of cleanliness, quality and health," he said. He said the Halal Development Corporation (HDC) will propose the establishment of a Malaysian Halal Development Commission, which will complement the Asean Halal Council. Meanwhile, efforts to revive the World Halal Council are ongoing in collaboration with GCC countries. Asked whether Jakim's stringent halal certification processes are still a concern for New Zealand companies, Zahid said the issue no longer exists. "Jakim has delegated authority to two halal certifying bodies in New Zealand. "Applications are now handled through them, not directly via Jakim. "However, Jakim will continue periodic audits to ensure compliance with its standards. "We don't foresee any issues as I met with the two recognised associations this morning, both of which are certified by Jakim and the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS)," he said. Last year, New Zealand's halal-certified meat exports to Malaysia exceeded NZD60 million (RM151 million). During the forum, Ahmad Zahid also witnessed the exchange of a Letter of Intent (LoI) between Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) and the University of Canterbury (UC).
The Star
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
M'sia poised to be Asean halal hub for NZ products, says Zahid
WELLINGTON: Malaysia is poised to be a halal hub in Asean for products from New Zealand, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The Deputy Prime Minister said this comes after two organisations in New Zealand, which has obtained recognition from the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim), to use Malaysia as a springboard to widen its export market. "I have given them the opportunity to use Malaysia as a hub for the distribution of halal products from New Zealand to Asean nations," he said in a press conference after attending the Malaysia-New Zealand Halal Forum here on Wednesday (July 16). He said that he had also proposed to halal industry players from New Zealand to attend the Malaysia International Halal Showcase 2025 which will be held this coming September in Kuala Lumpur. "An announcement will be made during the event on joint efforts to set up the Asean Halal Council comprising representation from Asean and Asean Plus Plus nations. "We invited the bodies which have obtained Jakim recognition to be part of the council," he added. He said the goal of the council is to standardise halal certification among Asean nations and those in the surrounding region. "The will be brought up as an agenda during the Asean Summit this coming October," he added. Asean Plus Plus refers to a broader regional cooperative framework that includes Asean's ten member states plus China, Japan and South Korea. Meanwhile, Dr Ahmad Zahid also said that there were talks among several countries under Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to reactivate the dormant World Halal Council to included both Muslim and non-Muslim nations involved in halal products. He said this was crucial as the global halal market is expected to grow from the current US$1.3 trillion (RM5.5 trillion) annually to US$3.7 trillion (RM14.3 trillion) in 2030. "The market is expected to grow to US$5 trillion (RM21.2 trillion) by 2050. Malaysia intends to tap 5% of this market," he added. Earlier, during the forum, New Zealand's Biosecurity and Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard said that Malaysia is a significant market for premium halal meat products, with exports of more than NZ$60mil (RM151mil) "Malaysia is facilitating the approval of several New Zealand halal meat premises seeking first-time access to this market, which is crucial to growing exports," he said. Earlier, Ahmad Zahid and Hoggard witnessed the exchange of letters of intent between Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), Malaysia and University of Canterbury (UC). The partnership aims to strengthen academic and research collaboration including student and staff mobility. Key areas of collaboration include chemical engineering, halal food systems and sustainable food production. Meanwhile, at a separate event, Ahmad Zahid and his New Zealand counterpart David Seymour witnessed the signing of the document of collaboration between Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM) and Victoria University of Wellington (VUW). The document was inked by New Zealand's Universities Minister Shane Raymond Reti at a ceremony at VUN. The collaboration paves the way for planning for joint research implementation, lecturer and student mobility programs, curriculum exchange and application-oriented learning, and professional development in education. Ahmad Zahid is on a five-day working visit to New Zealand which started on July 14.
