KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has welcomed New Zealand’s interest in joining the soon-to-be-established Asean Halal Council, underscoring Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening regional collaboration in the global halal industry.
Speaking at the Halal Diplomacy event hosted by New Zealand on Tuesday (Oct 28), Ahmad Zahid said the halal sector is not confined to religious boundaries but embodies universal values of trust, transparency and accountability that unite nations.
"I am pleased to learn of New Zealand’s interest in joining the council, a platform that will soon harmonises standards and strengthens global competitiveness.
"Halal is not just for Muslims. It represents high standards of quality, safety and integrity across sectors such as food and beverage, banking, insurance, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals,” he said.
Also present at the event was New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also chairman of the National Halal Council, said Malaysia, through the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (Jakim) and the Malaysian Halal Council, is globally recognised for its robust halal certification system, which serves as a benchmark for many countries.
He said that Malaysia and New Zealand have long-standing cooperation in halal assurance, adding that all chicken products produced in New Zealand are halal-certified with full government support.
"We are pleased to see our trade associations working closely together. Any halal product from New Zealand is well received by consumers,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid also said the halal industry remains a cornerstone of Malaysia-New Zealand cooperation, noting that both nations can further expand opportunities through the Halal Implementation Arrangement (HIA).
"We welcome the conclusion of the Halal Implementation Agreement, as we are laying the groundwork for a system that will streamline certifications (process) and reinforce confidence in the integrity of the halal supply chains.
"And today, as we move forward, let us continue to strengthen the bond of friendship, trust and shared vision that define our partnership," he added.
He said the Asean region, with nearly 700 million people, represents a vast halal market, and Malaysia aims to position itself as the halal gateway to South-East Asia, with New Zealand as a trusted partner.
He also urged New Zealand to regard Malaysia as a strategic partner not only in halal industry development but also in broader collaborations to address regional and global challenges.
"Please consider Malaysia as your partner, not only in the halal sector but in all areas of cooperation that contribute to peace, prosperity and shared progress,” he said.
Earlier, Luxon and Ahmad Zahid witnessed the exchange of notes between Malaysia and New Zealand on HIA.
The exchange was carried out between Jakim director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee and New Zealand High Commissioner to Malaysia Mike Walsh. – Bernama
