Melaka Halal Festival 2024 To Attract 25,000 Visitors

As December 2024 approaches, the spotlight is on Melaka, Malaysia, as it prepares to host one of the year’s most anticipated events in the global halal industry – the Melaka Halal Festival 2024 (MIHF24). From December 20th to December 22nd, the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) will welcome around 25,000 visitors from across the world for a festival that promises to be a catalyst for growth and networking in the halal market. Organized by the Melaka Islamic Religious Council (MAIM), MIHF24 aligns with the state’s mission to position itself as a global halal hub. Themed “Optimising the Halal Industry,” this year’s event underscores the importance of sustainable growth within the industry, while fostering a space for halal businesses to connect, collaborate, and showcase their innovations.

An Event for Halal Industry Growth

MIHF24 is expected to draw more than 450 exhibitors from Malaysia and international markets, including Vietnam, Bangladesh, Namibia, and more. These exhibitors will bring with them an array of halal-certified products and services across industries such as food and beverages, cosmetics, health and wellness, and lifestyle. With the global halal economy projected to surpass $3 trillion by 2026, MIHF24 serves as a vital platform to showcase the diversity and potential within this market.

MAIM Secretary Shaifulfazlee Mohamad, speaking at the festival’s pre-launch event, noted the strategic role that MIHF24 is playing in the development of the global halal economy. “This festival is more than a gathering,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to establish Melaka as a recognized player on the world stage in halal business, one that is deeply committed to upholding and promoting halal standards.” This mission aligns with Malaysia’s larger role as a leader in the halal industry, often setting the standard for halal certification that other countries look to follow.

The Key Attractions

The three-day festival offers an impressive lineup of events designed to appeal to both industry stakeholders and general visitors. Business matching sessions are a major highlight, giving halal businesses, buyers, and suppliers a chance to forge valuable connections and explore potential partnerships. These sessions provide an invaluable opportunity for participants to tap into new markets, expand their business networks, and gain insights into the latest trends in halal product and service development.

Additionally, MIHF24 will offer targeted workshops that cater to different sectors of the halal industry. These workshops will be led by industry experts who are set to share practical advice on navigating halal business challenges, accessing global markets, and optimizing supply chains to meet the increasing demands for halal goods worldwide. With workshops covering areas such as halal certification processes, supply chain management, and halal tourism, participants will leave with actionable strategies to grow their business.

Beyond business opportunities, MIHF24 has a special appeal for everyday consumers interested in exploring halal products and services. Attendees can look forward to a variety of stalls showcasing a diverse range of halal-certified products, including foods, skincare, cosmetics, wellness items, and fashion. In addition, there will be live cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs, where visitors can discover and taste traditional and innovative halal dishes. These experiences aim to educate the public about the importance of halal standards and how they are applied to different products, ensuring safety, hygiene, and quality.

Melaka’s Growing Role

Melaka’s efforts to establish itself as a leading halal hub are not new, but they are gaining significant momentum with MIHF24. The festival is part of a larger state initiative aimed at positioning Melaka as a top destination for halal products and Muslim-friendly tourism. This effort dovetails with the Visit Melaka Year 2024 campaign, which seeks to boost tourism by highlighting the state’s unique blend of cultural heritage, historic sites, and vibrant halal economy.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, who officiated the festival’s pre-launch, emphasized Melaka’s dedication to upholding high halal standards, especially in the hospitality sector. He encouraged local food establishments, hotels, and resorts to pursue halal certification to meet the needs of Muslim tourists, noting that halal-certified hotels and restaurants are increasingly sought after by travelers worldwide. “By enhancing our halal standards, we are ensuring that Melaka becomes a preferred destination not just for local visitors, but for international tourists who prioritize halal-certified products and services,” he remarked.

The state’s commitment to halal excellence was further underscored when Melaka received the Halal State Performance Excellence Award from the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI) earlier this year. This prestigious recognition highlights Melaka’s proactive measures in strengthening its halal ecosystem, which has been instrumental in attracting both local and foreign investment. From a growing number of halal-certified food and beverage establishments to collaborations with international halal organizations, Melaka is solidifying its reputation as a pioneer in halal innovation.

Economic Impact

With an estimated RM1.8 million in sales expected over the festival’s three days, MIHF24 is projected to have a significant economic impact on Melaka’s local businesses. The festival provides a direct platform for entrepreneurs to promote their products, connect with buyers, and increase brand visibility. For small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in particular, MIHF24 offers a rare chance to interact with large-scale distributors and retailers, many of whom are keen to source halal-certified goods.

The festival’s economic impact extends beyond immediate sales, as it creates a ripple effect that benefits various industries, including tourism, logistics, and retail. Hotels, restaurants, and transportation services in Melaka are preparing for the influx of visitors, ensuring they are equipped to offer a welcoming experience to both local and international guests. MIHF24’s focus on sustainability and ethical business practices further strengthens its appeal, as consumers and investors increasingly favor brands that prioritize environmental and social responsibility.

The Significance of Halal Certification

Halal certification is a vital aspect of the global halal industry, assuring consumers that products adhere to Islamic dietary and ethical guidelines. Malaysia has long been a global leader in halal certification, with standards recognized internationally. By requiring halal certification in more sectors, Melaka aims to enhance the Muslim-friendly appeal of its tourism industry, making it more accessible and attractive to Muslim travelers from around the world.

In recent years, Muslim-friendly tourism has emerged as a major growth sector. According to a report by Mastercard and CrescentRating, the global Muslim travel market is expected to reach $220 billion by 2026. The Melaka Halal Festival 2024 is a strategic effort to capitalize on this trend by promoting Melaka as a prime destination for Muslim-friendly travel. By hosting MIHF24 and emphasizing halal standards, Melaka is addressing the needs of a growing demographic of Muslim travelers who seek destinations that align with their religious beliefs and values.

Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh highlighted the importance of catering to this demographic, noting that the state government is actively working to make Melaka more accommodating for Muslim tourists. This includes increasing the number of halal-certified hotels and restaurants, improving access to prayer facilities, and ensuring that attractions offer family-friendly environments that respect Islamic values.

Media Coverage

BERNAMA, Malaysia’s national news agency, is the official media partner for MIHF24 and will provide comprehensive coverage of the event. Through its multi-channel network, including BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631, MYTV 121, and BERNAMA Radio, news from the festival will reach audiences across Malaysia and beyond. BERNAMA’s digital platforms and social media presence ensure that updates on MIHF24 are accessible to a global audience, promoting the festival and Melaka’s status as an international halal hub.

With extensive media coverage, MIHF24 is set to capture the attention of industry professionals, halal consumers, and travelers interested in exploring halal-friendly destinations. The festival will also be promoted through major social media platforms, with live updates and interactive features that allow virtual attendees to experience some aspects of the festival from afar. This media strategy ensures that MIHF24 remains accessible and engaging for a wider audience, highlighting Melaka’s commitment to inclusivity and global reach.

Why MIHF24?

For industry stakeholders, MIHF24 represents an unparalleled opportunity to engage with leaders and innovators in the halal market. The festival is an essential networking hub, providing direct access to buyers, suppliers, distributors, and investors who are shaping the future of halal products and services. The business matching sessions, in particular, offer participants a chance to connect with potential partners, forge new relationships, and explore joint ventures that could have lasting impacts.

Moreover, MIHF24’s workshops offer industry-specific insights, equipping halal business owners with the tools needed to navigate the complex landscape of halal certification, international trade regulations, and consumer preferences. For companies looking to expand into new markets, the festival provides valuable information on how to meet the growing demand for halal products in countries where the Muslim population is rising rapidly. These workshops are tailored to address the unique challenges of the halal industry, from managing supply chains to ensuring product integrity and maintaining ethical standards.

The Role of Melaka Halal Festival

The Melaka Halal Festival 2024 goes beyond showcasing products; it symbolizes a movement toward a more connected, inclusive, and sustainable global halal industry. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the demand for halal-certified goods is no longer limited to Muslim-majority countries. Consumers worldwide are drawn to the quality, safety, and ethical values associated with halal products. MIHF24 is positioned to bridge the gap between producers and consumers, fostering a community of businesses and individuals who are committed to advancing halal standards on a global scale.

Melaka’s ambitious vision for MIHF24 also includes educational initiatives to raise awareness about halal standards among non-Muslim consumers. Through informative sessions, exhibitions, and hands-on experiences, the festival aims to demystify halal practices and highlight the universal appeal of halal products. By showcasing the best of the halal industry in an open, welcoming environment, MIHF24 is helping to build bridges across cultures and foster greater understanding and appreciation of halal values.

A Festival with Lasting Impact

As the dates draw near, the Melaka Halal Festival 2024 is shaping up to be a landmark event, not only for the halal industry but also for the state of Melaka. With its diverse range of exhibitors, high-profile workshops, and business opportunities, MIHF24 offers something for everyone, from entrepreneurs to consumers. The event’s alignment with Visit Melaka Year 2024 adds an extra layer of appeal, inviting visitors to explore the rich cultural heritage of Melaka while engaging with the halal industry’s latest innovations.

For anyone invested in the future of the halal market, MIHF24 is a must-attend event that promises to inspire, educate, and connect. Whether you’re a business owner looking to expand, a consumer eager to discover new halal products, or a tourist drawn to Melaka’s unique charm, the Melaka Halal Festival 2024 is the ideal destination. With its focus on sustainable growth, cultural inclusivity, and global connectivity, MIHF24 is set to leave a lasting impact on the halal industry, paving the way for a more dynamic and prosperous future.