Latest news with #DepartmentofIslamicDevelopment
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.
Barnama
19-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Australia Negotiating With Malaysia To Boost Halal Export Trade
REGION - CENTRAL > NEWS KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 (Bernama) – Australia is negotiating with Malaysia on a strategic partnership to boost its halal meat export industry. Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia Danielle Heinecke said the outcome of the negotiation will be important going forward, not just in terms of comparative advantage in agriculture, but also the technology around agriculture, and Malaysia's aspirations around the halal industry. 'There are lots of opportunities and we hope to finalise the partnership via negotiations that we have been working on for a little while with Malaysia,' she said after Bernama TV's 'The Nation: Diplomatic Dispatch' programme titled 'Australia–Malaysia: Partners in a Changing Indo-Pacific'. bootstrap slideshow The High Commissioner said that some 17 Australian meat exporters registered with the Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM), which meet the department's high halal standards, are exporting to Malaysia. Last year, Australia exported 38,220 tonnes of halal sheep meat and 13,511 tonnes of halal beef and veal into Malaysia, valued at A$249.26 million and A$120.83 million (A$1=RM2.75), respectively, according to figures provided by the High Commission. Malaysia is also Australia's second-largest red meat export market in Southeast Asia after Indonesia in terms of volume, according to 'Meat and Livestock Australia', a publication providing a market snapshot of beef and sheepmeat exports to Malaysia. The publication also said that Malaysians have the highest per capita beef consumption among ASEAN countries at 8.8kg per person in 2024. Heinecke said that economic ties between both countries have been further strengthened by the Malaysia-Australia Free Trade Agreement (MAFTA), which facilitates trade in goods, services, as well as investments. Malaysia is Australia's second-largest trading partner in ASEAN and its 10th-largest partner overall, with total trade in 2023-2024 valued at A$33 billion.
New Straits Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Australia negotiating with Malaysia to boost halal export trade
KUALA LUMPUR: Australia is negotiating with Malaysia on a strategic partnership to boost its halal meat export industry. Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia Danielle Heinecke said the outcome of the negotiation will be important going forward, not just in terms of comparative advantage in agriculture, but also the technology around agriculture, and Malaysia's aspirations around the halal industry. "There are lots of opportunities and we hope to finalise the partnership via negotiations that we have been working on for a little while with Malaysia," she said after Bernama TV's "The Nation: Diplomatic Dispatch" programme titled "Australia–Malaysia: Partners in a Changing Indo-Pacific". The High Commissioner said that some 17 Australian meat exporters registered with the Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM), which meet the department's high halal standards, are exporting to Malaysia. Last year, Australia exported 38,220 tonnes of halal sheep meat and 13,511 tonnes of halal beef and veal into Malaysia, valued at US$249.26 million and US$120.83 million (US$1 = RM2.75), respectively, according to figures provided by the High Commission. Malaysia is also Australia's second-largest red meat export market in Southeast Asia after Indonesia in terms of volume, according to "Meat and Livestock Australia", a publication providing a market snapshot of beef and sheepmeat exports to Malaysia. The publication also said that Malaysians have the highest per capita beef consumption among Asean countries at 8.8kg per person in 2024. Heinecke said that economic ties between both countries have been further strengthened by the Malaysia-Australia Free Trade Agreement (MAFTA), which facilitates trade in goods, services, as well as investments. Malaysia is Australia's second-largest trading partner in Asean and its 10th-largest partner overall, with total trade in 2023–2024 valued at US$33 billion. Australia's economic and trade relationship with Malaysia is mature, comprehensive and complementary, said Heinecke. "In 2023–2024, Malaysia was our second-largest two-way trading partner among Asean member states and 10th-largest partner overall," she said. There are several established Australian retail brands in Malaysia, including Aesop, Arnott's, Blackmores, Boost Juice, Cotton On, Harvey Norman and King Living. Earlier during the programme, she said Canberra was intensifying its economic engagement in Southeast Asia, particularly through targeted trade and investment missions. "We are bringing a trade and investment mission here centred around Energy Asia and also exploring opportunities within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone," she said, adding that Australia is the fourth-largest digital tech investor in Malaysia. She cited successful Malaysian ventures in Australia, including Gentari's renewable energy projects and Gamuda's high-tech transport infrastructure initiatives, as two-way economic engagement that benefits both countries. Besides MAFTA, Malaysia and Australia are also members of the Asean-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA), the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). — BERNAMA
Morocco World
28-02-2025
- General
- Morocco World
Ramadan 2025: Malaysia to Start Fasting on March 2
The first day of the holy month of Ramadan 2025 is set to begin on Sunday, March 2 , according to the Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM). Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and since it follows the moon's cycle, the dates shift every year on the Gregorian calendar. In Malaysia, where about 60% of the population are Muslims — around 20 million people out of 35 million — the holy month is a big deal. It's not just about fasting but about community and tradition. The streets come alive with lights and decorations, especially in neighborhoods with large Muslim populations. You'll find pop-up Ramadan bazaars everywhere, packed with food stalls selling everything from grilled 'satay' to sweet 'kuih' (traditional desserts). These markets are a daily highlight, with people grabbing dishes to enjoy with their families when they break their fast at sunset. Mosques across Malaysia offer free Iftar to travelers, the homeless, and the poor. Picture rows of people sitting shoulder to shoulder, chatting and laughing while they wait for the call to prayer. Plates are piled with rice, curries, dates, and 'bubur lambuk' (a hearty porridge), handed out for free. Strangers become friends, and the atmosphere is filled with kindness and gratitude. Family and togetherness are at the heart of Ramadan here. 'Buka puasa' (breaking the fast) isn't just a meal — it's an event. People gather at home, in restaurants, or even in large public events where food is shared. Mosques fill up for nightly Taraweeh prayers, and many people stay late into the night for worship and reflection. TV channels go all out with special Ramadan programming. Cooking shows dish out recipes for classic favorites, while family dramas dive into themes of love, faith, and forgiveness. There are even live broadcasts of Taraweeh prayers from the country's biggest mosques. It feels like the whole nation is in sync — praying, feasting, and reflecting together, whether in a crowded mosque or from the comfort of the living room couch. Giving back is also a big part of the month. People donate food, clothes, and money to those in need. It's common to see 'bubur lambuk' (a special porridge) being cooked in big pots at mosques and handed out to the community for free. What makes Ramadan in Malaysia special is how it blends faith with culture. The mix of religious devotion, strong family ties, and local traditions creates a month that feels both spiritual and deeply connected to everyday life. Tags: Islam in Malaysiaramadan 2025Ramadan in Malaysia
