Latest news with #HalalForum
The Star
5 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Zahid to visit New Zealand's National Crisis Management Centre
WELLINGTON, 16 Julai -- Timbalan Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi pada sidang media di majlis Halal Forum di Perpustakaan Negara Wellington di sini hari ini. -- fotoBERNAMA (2025) HAK CIPTA TERPELIHARA WELLINGTON, July 16 -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi speaks at a press conference during the Halal Forum at the National Library of Wellington here today. -- fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED WELLINGTON: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is scheduled to visit New Zealand's National Crisis Management Centre on Thursday (July 17) to observe the country's disaster and crisis response framework. Located in the Beehive Bunker beneath New Zealand's Parliament, the visit forms part of the fourth day of his official working trip to the country, in line with his responsibilities as Chairman of Malaysia's Central Disaster Management Committee (JPBP). The visit aims to gain insights into New Zealand's emergency response systems, inter-agency coordination, and post-disaster recovery strategies - areas for which the country is widely recognised for its preparedness and transparency. Ahmad Zahid is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with New Zealand's Minister for Agriculture, Trade and Investment, Todd McClay, to explore potential cooperation in food security and strategic supply chains. Later in the day, he will attend a community engagement session with Malaysians in Wellington, where over 250 citizens residing in the country are expected to participate. The Deputy Prime Minister is scheduled to conclude his working visit and return to Kuala Lumpur on Friday (July 18). Since arriving in Auckland on Monday (July 14), he has met with local industry leaders and business groups, including the ASEAN-New Zealand Business Council (ANZBC). On the second day, he travelled to Rotorua for the Māori Business Roundtable, aimed at strengthening collaboration in indigenous and social development initiatives. On the third day, he was in the capital for meetings with senior New Zealand government officials at the Beehive, as part of ongoing efforts to further enhance Malaysia-New Zealand bilateral relations. - Bernama
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- 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).
Barnama
5 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
1954-ஆம் ஆண்டு பூர்வக்குடி சட்டம் திருத்தம் செய்யப்படவுள்ளது
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi speaks at a press conference during the Halal Forum at the National Library of Wellington here today.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia, New Zealand agree to deepen cooperation in halal industry
WELLINGTON: Malaysia and New Zealand have agreed to deepen cooperation in the global halal industry through several strategic measures, including the alignment of certification standards, joint research efforts, and the enhancement of halal assurance frameworks. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is currently on a working visit to the island country, said the collaboration is vital to uphold the integrity and international marketability of halal products, amid rising global demand from Muslim consumers. 'This forum is especially significant as it allows both nations to explore new opportunities to strengthen the halal ecosystem through inclusive and complementary approaches,' he said at the Halal Forum and High Tea with New Zealand Minister for Biosecurity and Food Safety Andrew Hoggard, here today. The event, held at the National Library of New Zealand, was attended by senior representatives from industry and government agencies of both countries. Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs Malaysia's Halal Industry Development Council (MPIH), said Malaysia's participation in Fieldays 2025, which is the Southern Hemisphere's largest agricultural exhibition, reflects its commitment to expanding international engagement in agriculture and the halal sector. -- MORE AHMAD ZAHID-COOPERATION 2 WELLINGTON In his speech, Ahmad Zahid also expressed appreciation to New Zealand's two recognised halal certification bodies, namely the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) and the New Zealand Islamic Development Trust (NZIDT), for their continued efforts to ensure compliance with halal standards aligned with Malaysian requirements. 'This collaboration is more than technical alignment. It symbolises mutual respect for religious and cultural values in the global trade ecosystem,' he said. Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia also welcomes the participation of New Zealand companies and agencies in the upcoming Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), as part of efforts to boost bilateral trade in the halal sector. Meanwhile, Hoggard said Malaysia remains an important market for New Zealand's halal meat exports, which exceeded NZ$60 million last year. 'Malaysia is facilitating the approval process for several halal meat premises in New Zealand seeking first-time market access. This is a key step towards expanding our halal exports,' he said. -- MORE AHMAD ZAHID-COOPERATION 3 (LAST) WELLINGTON With a population of over 35 million, Hoggard said the Malaysian market offers strong growth potential. He said that the revised halal export requirements provide greater clarity for New Zealand producers in areas such as registration, processing, documentation, packaging, and storage. 'New Zealand is fully committed to its strong partnership with Malaysia and to delivering top-quality halal products to this key market,' he added. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, is on a five-day working visit to New Zealand, which ends on Friday.
Barnama
5 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Malaysia Eyes Role As Halal Export Gateway Between ASEAN And Oceania
From Ahmad Erwan Othman WELLINGTON, July 16 (Bernama) -- 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. Ahmad Zahid, who is also 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 Ahmad 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 stressed that the collaboration is vital to supporting growth in the global halal market, which is projected to reach US$5 trillion by 2050, with Malaysia targeting at least a five per cent share of the global market.
