New Zealand and Malaysia have pledged to enhance their trading relationship in premium halal meat products, with both nations working to expand market access and streamline export processes.

Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard emphasized Malaysia’s importance as a destination for New Zealand’s high-quality halal meat, noting that exports exceeded $60 million in the previous year. “Malaysia represents a vital market for our premium halal meat products,” Hoggard stated.

Market Access Expansion

Malaysian officials are currently facilitating approval procedures for multiple New Zealand halal meat facilities seeking initial market entry. This development is essential for export growth, according to Hoggard.

“Given Malaysia’s population of over 35 million consumers, this new market access will create substantial growth opportunities in the Malaysian market,” he explained.

The minister indicated that once these facilities receive approval, the benefits will extend to New Zealand farmers, processing companies, and export businesses.

Approval Process

As part of the authorization procedure, Malaysian regulatory representatives will conduct on-site inspections of the new facilities to assess their halal production methods and compliance standards.

Forum Announcement

These developments were revealed during a Halal Forum held in Wellington, jointly hosted by Minister Hoggard and Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Rural and Regional Development, Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid bin Haji Hamidi.

Streamlined Requirements

According to Dato’ Seri Zahid, both countries are collaborating closely to simplify export regulations for New Zealand halal meat products.

“Malaysia prioritizes strict adherence to halal standards,” Dato’ Seri Zahid noted.

“We are actively partnering with New Zealand to enhance halal cooperation, including updating the criteria for halal meat exports to Malaysia. This reflects the robust partnership between our nations and Malaysia’s trust in New Zealand’s halal processing and quality assurance systems.”

Regulatory Clarity

Minister Hoggard explained that the updated requirements will provide greater certainty for New Zealand producers across various operational aspects, including facility registration, documentation procedures, processing methods, labeling standards, packaging requirements, and storage protocols.

“New Zealand maintains its dedication to our strong Malaysian partnership and to delivering the highest quality halal products to consumers in this significant market,” Hoggard concluded.

Original Article:

Mirage News. (2025, July 16). NZ, Malaysia to boost halal meat trade ties. Mirage News. https://www.miragenews.com/nz-malaysia-to-boost-halal-meat-trade-ties-1497373/