Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) has raised its sales target for the 22nd Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026 to RM5 billion from RM4.5 billion following stronger-than-expected interest from international buyers.
MATRADE Chief Executive Officer Datuk Abu Bakar Yusof said the agency had already received more than 500 applications from international buyers and importers, exceeding its initial target of 300 buyers. Last year’s MIHAS generated RM4.3 billion in sales.
MIHAS 2026 is targeting 2,400 exhibition booths involving participants from at least 45 countries, with Malaysian exhibitors expected to account for around 70% of the total and international exhibitors making up the remaining 30%.
MATRADE will facilitate meetings between 600 Malaysian companies and 300 international buyers through its International Sourcing Programme, with around 4,000 business matching meetings expected. The programme will include 50 premium buyers from markets including Canada, Chile and Brazil, whose combined annual revenue is estimated at around RM500 billion.
The showcase will also introduce a Women In Export component for the first time alongside a Modest Fashion Show, while an AI-powered application will connect buyers, sellers, suppliers and potential business partners throughout the event.
Meanwhile, JAKIM Director-General Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee said Malaysia’s halal certification would remain a cornerstone of the industry’s development, with standards reviewed every five years to keep pace with technological and industry changes.
