Shariah-Compliant Financing Partnership Strengthens Malaysia’s Halal Economy

In a significant stride toward empowering halal-certified Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), microLEAP and the Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC) have formalized a strategic partnership to expand Shariah-compliant financing options. This collaboration aligns with Malaysia’s Budget 2026 priorities and the Halal Industry Master Plan (HIMP) 2030, both of which emphasize inclusive, sustainable growth within the halal ecosystem.

Supporting Malaysia’s Vision of a Global Halal Hub

Under this partnership, more than 14,000 registered members of HDC’s Halal Integrated Platform (HIP) will be able to access microLEAP’s peer-to-peer (P2P) Shariah-compliant financing ecosystem. This access is designed to facilitate business expansion, certification readiness, and export activities among MSMEs.

The initiative directly supports the goals outlined in the 13th Malaysia Plan, particularly those promoting MSME development and sustainable financing. HIMP 2030 envisions a “Prominent, Visible, and Globalised Halal Malaysia,” where local enterprises are equipped with the resources necessary to compete in the international halal economy.

Promoting Inclusive and Ethical Financing

microLEAP CEO, Tunku Danny Nasaifuddin Mudzaffar, highlighted that this initiative reflects the company’s mission to create fair and transparent financing channels:

“With Budget 2026 charting a clear path for sustainable and inclusive growth, Shariah-compliant financing must play a central role in empowering Halal MSMEs. Partnering with HDC allows us to scale this vision with purpose,” he stated.

Since its establishment in 2019, microLEAP has disbursed over RM438.6 million in Shariah-compliant financing to 357 MSMEs, with RM57.5 million distributed in Q3 2025 alone, and maintains a remarkably low default rate of 0.34%. The platform offers Micro Financing up to RM50,000 and Invoice Financing up to RM500,000, providing flexibility for diverse business needs.

Bridging the Capital Gap in the Halal Sector

HDC CEO Hairol Ariffein Sahari emphasized that capital accessibility remains the most critical challenge for halal-certified businesses:

“The real test for Halal businesses has never been certification alone; it has been access to capital. By bridging that gap with microLEAP, we are supporting HIMP 2030’s mission to build an integrated and competitive Halal ecosystem.”

This collaboration reinforces Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to embed Shariah-compliant financial mechanisms within its national halal infrastructure. The initiative not only enhances MSME competitiveness but also supports Malaysia’s long-term ambition of becoming a global leader in halal trade and innovation.

Original Article:

Business Today Malaysia. (2025, October 22). Firms offer micro-financing for halal-certified MSMEs. Retrieved from https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2025/10/22/firms-offer-micro-financing-for-halal-certified-msmes/