Introduction to MIHAS 2024
The 20th Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS 2024) was held from 17 to 20 September 2024 at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur.
Hosted by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and organized by MATRADE, this edition stood out as a landmark event in the global halal industry.
Scale and Performance Highlights
- Massive Footfall & Participation: The event attracted over 43,353 trade visitors from more than 90 countries, with 2,028 exhibition booths representing 66 different nations.
- Record-Breaking Sales: MIHAS 2024 generated an exceptional RM 4.3 billion in sales, a 34% increase compared to MIHAS 2023’s RM 3.2 billion.
- Industry Clusters & Sector Contributions: Products and services were displayed across 14 industry clusters under the theme “Globalising Halal Innovations.” Notable contributors to sales included:
- Agricultural Produce: 26.3%
- Prepared Food: 26.1%
- Beverages: 12.5%
- Other growing sectors such as pharmaceuticals, toiletries & cosmetics, and packaging & containers also featured prominently.
Innovation & Sustainability as Core Themes
Theme & Strategic Alignment
MIHAS 2024’s theme—“Globalising Halal Innovations”—highlighted Malaysia’s vision to drive innovation in the halal ecosystem, aligning with both the Halal Industry Master Plan 2030 (HIMP 2030) and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030). The global halal sector is recognized as a high-impact industry under Malaysia’s Twelfth Malaysia Plan (12MP).
Diverse Product Focus
Key sectors spotlighted included:
- Pharmaceuticals
- Islamic finance and fintech
- Lifestyle products
- Modest fashion
- Food ingredients
- Additional services—with emphasis on value-added features and halal value chain integrity to meet ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) expectations.
Recognition & Thought Leadership
MIHAS continued to be a premium platform for global halal business discussions, featuring meaningful discourse and expert sessions via the MIHAS Knowledge Hub, including seminars, forums, and conferences focused on market trends and access.
Business Facilitation & Global Reach
Business Matching Excellence
MIHAS maintained its reputation as a powerful B2B facilitator. The International Sourcing Programme (INSP)—both physical and virtual—connected 800 Malaysian exporters with 330 international buyers, yielding a potential sourcing value of RM 2.52 billion.
These interactions included 3,000 business meetings, with premium buyers hailing from countries like the USA, India, the UK, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.
A new addition—Hosted Buyers’ Programme—also launched at MIHAS 2024 to further expand collaboration opportunities.
Global Expansion: MIHAS@Dubai
For the first time in its history, MIHAS extended beyond Kuala Lumpur with MIHAS@Dubai, held from 18–20 November 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, in conjunction with the Middle East Organic & Natural Product Expo.
This strategic move aimed to tap into emerging markets, including Central Asia, Europe, and Africa, with expectations of generating RM 1 billion in sales.
Legacy & Significance
Established & Evolved
Since its inception in 2004, MIHAS has steadily grown into the world’s largest Halal trade show, recognized for its scale, influence, and foresight.
Over two decades, MIHAS transformed from a modest trade fair into a dynamic global platform showcasing not only halal food but also sectors like Islamic finance, modest fashion, halal cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and tourism.
Powering Malaysia’s Halal Ambitions
MIHAS has been instrumental in reinforcing Malaysia’s status as a global halal hub, contributing to the national economy, supporting SMEs, encouraging international trade partnerships, and helping fulfill strategic development plans such as HIMP 2030.
Concluding Thoughts
MIHAS 2024 was much more than just another trade fair—it was a powerful demonstration of Malaysia’s leadership in the halal industry.
With record-breaking sales, a record number of participants, robust innovation themes, and expanded international outreach via MIHAS@Dubai, the 20th edition embodied ambition, inclusivity, and forward-thinking.
By weaving together cutting-edge innovation, sustainability, strategic business networking, and global expansion, MIHAS 2024 reinforced its position as the premier global platform for halal trade—with a transformative role in shaping the future of the halal economy.
