Latest news with #HalalIndustryDevelopmentCouncil
Malaysian Reserve
17-07-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Malaysia offers to be halal gateway for New Zealand into ASEAN market
by HIDAYATH HISHAM MALAYSIA is prepared to become a distribution and marketing hub for halal products from New Zealand to the wider Southeast Asian region. According to Utusan Malaysia, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (picture) said this proposal was conveyed during his visit to Wellington, where he invited New Zealand's halal industry players to join the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) this September. Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs the Halal Industry Development Council (MPIH), said the move would help New Zealand tap into ASEAN's halal market, with Malaysia acting as a strategic base. 'While in Wellington, I took the opportunity to push for deeper halal collaboration between Malaysia and New Zealand. My focus was on promoting ASEAN halal products into the Asia-Pacific. 'Currently, two organisations in New Zealand have already received halal certification recognition from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) for exports to Malaysia. 'I've now opened the door for them to use Malaysia as a hub for distributing New Zealand's halal products to ASEAN. I've also suggested they take part in MIHAS,' he said during a press conference after the Malaysia–New Zealand Halal Forum. Also present were New Zealand's Minister for Biosecurity and Food Safety, Andrew Hoggard, and Malaysia's High Commissioner to New Zealand, Mazita Marzuki. Ahmad Zahid added that Malaysia would use the MIHAS platform to announce the formation of the ASEAN Halal Council, comprising all Southeast Asian nations. He said halal certifying bodies endorsed by Jakim would also be invited to join the ASEAN Halal Plus Council to harmonise regional halal standards. During the forum, Ahmad Zahid witnessed the exchange of letters of intent between Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) and the University of Canterbury (UC), aimed at strengthening cooperation in chemical and process engineering, halal food technology, and sustainable development. Ahmad Zahid also dismissed concerns that Jakim's stringent halal procedures would be an obstacle for New Zealand businesses. He explained that Jakim had already authorised two local halal bodies in New Zealand to handle certification, removing the need for companies to go through Jakim directly. 'Jakim will continue periodic audits to ensure compliance with the standards. But I see no issues — I had discussions this morning with the two associations already certified by Jakim and the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS),' he said. New Zealand's halal exports to Malaysia surpassed NZ$60 million (RM151 million) last year, driven largely by premium halal meat products.
The Sun
16-07-2025
- 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.
The Sun
15-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Ahmad Zahid shares knowledge with Maori community, explores livestock in Rotorua
ROTORUA: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi continued his working visit to New Zealand with a focus on cultural exchange and agricultural collaboration in Rotorua. His itinerary included engagements with the Maori community and a review of livestock farming practices to identify potential applications in Malaysia. Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as Minister of Rural and Regional Development, attended a Maori Business Roundtable to discuss social and community development initiatives. The session aimed to strengthen bilateral relations between Malaysia and New Zealand. His delegation later visited Whakarewa Living Maori Village, where they experienced a traditional Geothermal Hangi lunch, showcasing Maori culinary techniques using natural heat sources. Before departing Rotorua, the delegation toured Onuku Farm, a sheep and dairy farm, to study advanced agricultural methods. The visit highlighted New Zealand's best practices in livestock management, which could be adapted to enhance Malaysia's rural economy. The Deputy Prime Minister's next stop is Wellington, where he will meet senior New Zealand officials, including Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour and Foreign Minister Winston Peters. Ahmad Zahid will also lead Malaysia's participation in the Halal Forum, co-organised by the Halal Industry Development Council and New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries, to boost halal trade cooperation. Additionally, he will witness the signing of a higher education agreement to expand opportunities for Malaysian students in New Zealand. His visit concludes with a courtesy call on Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro and a gathering with the Malaysian diaspora in Wellington.
The Sun
14-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Ahmad Zahid begins five-day working visit to New Zealand
AUCKLAND: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has arrived in New Zealand for a five-day working visit aimed at reinforcing bilateral relations between Malaysia and New Zealand. The Rural and Regional Development Minister landed at Auckland International Airport earlier today, where he was welcomed by Malaysian High Commissioner Mazita Marzuki and New Zealand foreign affairs officials. In a Facebook post, Ahmad Zahid described the visit as a strategic effort to enhance long-standing diplomatic ties, which date back to 1957. He expressed hope that the trip would expand collaboration across multiple sectors while advancing Malaysia's interests globally. Key engagements during his stay include meetings with New Zealand's Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro, Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour, and several ministers overseeing foreign affairs, trade, and Maori development. As chairman of the Halal Industry Development Council, Ahmad Zahid will also participate in a Halal Forum and engage with local business leaders. The visit will see the signing of higher education cooperation agreements and include sessions with the Maori community in Rotorua. Additionally, the Deputy Prime Minister is scheduled to meet Malaysians residing in New Zealand, fostering closer people-to-people connections. This marks the first high-level Malaysian visit to New Zealand since 2005, when the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, then Prime Minister, made an official trip. - Bernama
The Sun
13-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Ahmad Zahid on five-day visit to New Zealand to boost ties
AUCKLAND: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will begin a five-day working visit to New Zealand from July 14 to 18 to strengthen bilateral relations that have spanned 68 years. Malaysian High Commissioner to New Zealand Mazita Marzuki said the visit will explore cooperation in defence, agriculture, education, and the halal industry. 'This visit is expected to further enhance long-standing bilateral ties,' she said during a press conference. Ahmad Zahid will meet Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro, Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour, and Foreign Minister Winston Peters. A cooperation document on higher education is also expected to be signed. As chairman of the Halal Industry Development Council (MPIH), Ahmad Zahid will take part in a halal forum organised by New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries. He will also meet with business leaders from the ASEAN New Zealand Business Council (ANZBC) and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE). His programme includes a session with the Maori community in Rotorua and a meeting with 250 Malaysians living in New Zealand. Mazita said the visit aligns with Malaysia's 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, focusing on inclusivity and sustainability. The last high-level Malaysian visit to New Zealand was by former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in March 2005. – Bernama
