Malaysia Positioned as ASEAN Halal Gateway for New Zealand Exports
Malaysia is set to strengthen its position as a regional halal hub, following the announcement by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi that New Zealand will use Malaysia as a springboard to distribute its halal-certified products across ASEAN.
Two organisations from New Zealand recently received recognition from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM)—a crucial step for entering the halal market in Malaysia and beyond.
“This partnership allows New Zealand to tap into ASEAN’s growing halal consumer base, using Malaysia as a central distribution hub,” Zahid said after the Malaysia–New Zealand Halal Forum.
What This Means for Malaysia
This development significantly boosts Malaysia’s profile as a trusted international halal certifier and trading gateway. Malaysia’s strong infrastructure, strategic location, and established logistics networks make it a natural hub for global halal commerce.
Highlights:
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JAKIM-certified facilities in New Zealand can now export halal goods through Malaysia
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Malaysia will host the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2025 in Kuala Lumpur
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A new ASEAN Halal Council is set to be formed with ASEAN and “ASEAN Plus Plus” partners (including China, Japan, and South Korea)
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Plans to revive the dormant World Halal Council, allowing both Muslim and non-Muslim nations to collaborate
These moves support Malaysia’s target of capturing 5% of the global halal market, which is projected to grow from US$1.3 trillion to US$5 trillion by 2050.
Why This Matters for Real Estate & Economic Growth
Malaysia’s emergence as a halal logistics and distribution hub has significant spillover effects for real estate, infrastructure, and foreign direct investment (FDI).
Key implications:
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Increased demand for industrial and logistics properties near ports, airports, and free trade zones (e.g., Port Klang, Sepang, Johor, Penang)
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Potential for halal-focused business parks and food processing clusters in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, and East Coast states
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Growth in institutional partnerships with global universities could drive student accommodation demand and academic infrastructure development
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Boost to commercial and retail sectors through higher consumption of halal-certified products by locals and tourists
This aligns with broader efforts under Malaysia’s Halal Industry Master Plan 2030, which aims to position the country as a global halal economy leader.
Malaysia–New Zealand Academic Ties Also Strengthen
Beyond trade, education and research collaboration also received a major boost:
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Universiti Kuala Lumpur and University of Canterbury signed a Letter of Intent for cooperation in:
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Halal food systems
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Chemical engineering
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Sustainable food production
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Student and staff mobility
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Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia and Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) formalized a collaboration focused on:
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Curriculum exchange
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Joint research implementation
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Application-oriented learning and professional development
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These partnerships support Malaysia’s knowledge-based economy and enhance its capacity to innovate in food science, logistics, and halal compliance systems.
Global Halal Market Outlook: Malaysia’s Role Expands
DPM Zahid noted that Malaysia aims to tap into 5% of the projected US$5 trillion global halal market by 2050. The current market is valued at US$1.3 trillion, with strong growth expected across food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, logistics, and travel sectors.
This ambition is not just economic—it’s also strategic:
“The formation of the ASEAN Halal Council will harmonise certification across the region, giving Malaysian-certified products a competitive edge globally,” Zahid explained.
Final Thoughts: A Smart Bet on Halal-Driven Growth
For property investors, developers, and logistics players, Malaysia’s role as a halal hub creates multi-sector opportunities—from industrial warehousing and halal logistics to student housing and retail expansion.
As ASEAN deepens economic integration and cross-border collaboration, Malaysia’s advantage lies in its international halal credibility, mature infrastructure, and diplomatic neutrality—making it a reliable partner for global brands like New Zealand.
