KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has secured the top position in the Global Islamic Economy Indicator, reaffirming its leadership in the global halal economy, according to the State of the Global Islamic Economy (SGIE) Report 2025/2026.
Malaysia has maintained the top ranking for 12 consecutive years, reflecting the strength of its halal ecosystem, particularly in halal trade facilitation, certification excellence and industry development.
The report also highlighted Malaysia's continued strength across key sectors, ranking first in halal food, Islamic finance, and halal pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, while maintaining top-tier positions across all six sectors of the Islamic economy.
Halal Development Corporation Bhd chairman Prof Dr Mohd Afandi Salleh said Malaysia's continued leadership in the global Islamic economy demonstrates not only the strength of its halal ecosystem but also its commitment to advancing the halal economy based on quality, trust and ethical values.
"Through stronger halal trade connectivity and proactive halal diplomacy, we are contributing to a more integrated and resilient global halal economy," he said in a statement.
Mohd Afandi said Malaysia will continue to champion innovation, sustainability and international collaboration to ensure the halal industry remains competitive and future-ready as the sector evolves.
Malaysia recorded RM68.52 billion in halal exports in 2025, representing a 10.9 per cent year-on-year increase.
The halal industry now contributes 4.3 per cent to national exports, reflecting strong and sustained global demand for Malaysian halal products, particularly in the food and beverage and halal ingredients segments.
Globally, Muslim consumer spending reached US$2.6 trillion in 2024 and is projected to grow to US$3.56 trillion by 2029, underscoring the scale and momentum of the halal economy.
This positions Malaysia as a preferred hub for halal manufacturing and distribution, connecting global supply chains to fast-growing Muslim consumer markets.
In addition to trade, Malaysia has enhanced its role in halal thought leadership and diplomacy by actively influencing global discourse through international platforms, forming strategic partnerships, and implementing capacity-building initiatives.
These efforts contribute to greater alignment of halal standards, enhanced market access and stronger collaboration among industry players worldwide.
The SGIE 2025/2026 report also highlighted emerging opportunities across sectors, including the digitalisation of halal certification, blockchain-enabled traceability, Islamic digital finance and sustainable halal production, areas where Malaysia is well-positioned to lead and collaborate globally. - Bernama
