The Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2024 achieved an impressive RM4.3 billion in sales, a 34% increase over the RM3.2 billion sales from 2023, reinforcing its importance as a key global platform for the Halal industry.
Organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and hosted by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), MIHAS 2024 took place from 17 to 20 September 2024 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).
The event attracted 43,353 visitors from over 90 countries and featured 2,028 booths from 66 nations, showcasing a wide range of products and services across 14 clusters under the theme “Globalising Halal Innovations.”
Reflecting on MIHAS 2024, Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of MITI, stated, “MIHAS has been instrumental in supporting the goals of the Halal Industry Master Plan 2030 (HIMP 2030) and the New Industrial Masterplan 2030 (NIMP 2030).
“Beyond the RM4.3 billion in sales, MIHAS promotes public-private collaboration to strengthen our Halal ecosystem and helps more Malaysian companies expand globally. With the upcoming MIHAS@Dubai in November, we aim to further engage around 20% of the world’s Muslim population.”
Agricultural produce led the sales this year with a 26.3% share, followed closely by Prepared Food at 26.1% and Beverages at 12.5%. Other sectors, including Pharmaceuticals, Toiletries & Cosmetics, and Packaging & Containers, also saw significant growth.
Tengku Zafrul commended MATRADE for its role in organising MIHAS 2024, acknowledging the collective efforts of its team, from headquarters to its 49 offices worldwide, in driving these remarkable commercial outcomes.
MIHAS has evolved beyond a traditional exhibition into a significant networking platform for creating new opportunities and partnerships. The International Sourcing Programme (INSP), held in person on 18 September 2024 and virtually since 15 February 2024, connected 330 international buyers with 800 local sellers, generating RM2.52 billion in potential sourcing value, with the virtual programme continuing until 30 November 2024.
The physical INSP at MATRADE facilitated 3,000 business meetings, including 20 premium buyers from countries like the USA, India, the UK, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, offering Malaysian exporters the chance to explore new markets and expand their global reach.
MATRADE also launched the Hosted Buyers’ Programme at MIHAS 2024, facilitating 255 business meetings between 50 local buyers and 152 foreign exhibitors from over 20 countries, including China, Thailand, Indonesia, and South Korea. This programme generated RM945 million in sales over three days, further promoting cross-border trade relationships.
Dato’ Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican highlighted MIHAS’s role in strengthening international trade relations, saying, “This year’s sales trajectory underscores MIHAS’s effectiveness in building sustainable global supply chains and fostering connections among market players.”
Additionally, MIHAS 2024 saw the signing of 24 Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between Malaysian and international companies, worth RM111 million, further highlighting the potential of Malaysia’s Halal ecosystem.
A total of 26 media agencies from 16 countries provided extensive coverage of MIHAS 2024, including major outlets such as China Global Television Network (CGTN), Taiwan Plus, and The Daily Sun (India).
Reezal also extended his gratitude to MIHAS sponsors, including Allanasons Private Limited, CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad, Nestlé Malaysia, F&N Holdings Berhad, Malaysia Airlines Berhad, and Pos Malaysia, for their support in making the event a success.
