Latest news with #MalaysianHalalIndustryDevelopmentCouncil
The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
New Zealand seeks ASEAN Halal Council membership via Malaysia
WELLINGTON: New Zealand has formally expressed interest in becoming an associate member of the ASEAN Halal Council, marking a strategic move to deepen halal industry collaboration with Malaysia and the broader Southeast Asian region. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi confirmed the development during his five-day working visit to New Zealand. The proposal was discussed in meetings with New Zealand officials and the Malaysian diaspora in Auckland and Wellington. Ahmad Zahid, who chairs the Malaysian Halal Industry Development Council, highlighted the mutual benefits of this partnership. 'New Zealand's participation will enhance halal standard alignment and expand market opportunities for certified products,' he said. A key outcome of the talks includes New Zealand's agreement to leverage Malaysia as a distribution hub for its halal products in ASEAN and traditional markets. 'Malaysia's established trade networks position us as an ideal gateway,' Ahmad Zahid added. New Zealand has also committed to participating in the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) in September, joining business matching sessions with Malaysian and international industry players. The visit, attended by Malaysia's High Commissioner to New Zealand Mazita Marzuki, emphasized strengthening bilateral ties in trade, investment, and halal sector growth. - Bernama
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- 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.
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
6 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.
