The 22nd Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026 delivered RM6.78 billion in total sales over its four-day run from 23 to 26 September, marking a RM730 million or 12.0% increase from the RM6.05 billion recorded in 2025.
The figure also exceeded MIHAS 2026’s RM5.0 billion sales target by RM1.78 billion, or 35.5%, reinforcing the event’s role as a major halal marketplace connecting Malaysian businesses with international buyers and turning trade engagements into commercial opportunities.
Dato’ Indera Abu Bakar Yusof, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), said the results demonstrated MIHAS’ growing contribution to Malaysian businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs) seeking access to international markets.
“MIHAS 2026 demonstrates that the platform is not only growing in terms of sales, but is also creating greater opportunities for Malaysian businesses, particularly Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), to access international markets,” he said.
He added that MATRADE remained committed to helping SMEs and Mid-Tier Companies (MTCs) expand into global markets, particularly emerging and non-traditional markets.
International Sourcing Drives Billions in Business
The International Sourcing Programme (INSP) was a major contributor to MIHAS 2026’s overall performance, generating RM4.02 billion compared with RM3.63 billion in 2025.
This represented an increase of RM394.5 million, or 10.9%, highlighting the role of structured business matching in connecting Malaysian sellers with international buyers and creating opportunities for sourcing, business development and potential export transactions.
Meanwhile, the MIHAS Exhibition recorded approximately RM1.99 billion in sales, up RM103.9 million or 5.5% from RM1.89 billion in 2025.
Among the leading products driving exhibition sales were processed food and confectionery, food technology and packaging, frozen food, as well as fertilisers and agrochemicals, reflecting the breadth of halal products and solutions showcased at MIHAS.
Record Visitor Growth Strengthens Global Reach
MIHAS 2026 also recorded its highest visitor turnout since the event began in 2004.
A total of 69,104 visitors from 93 countries attended this year’s showcase, compared with 50,340 visitors in 2025. This represents an increase of 18,764 visitors, or 37.3%.
The event also brought together exhibitors and INSP buyers from 58 countries, further strengthening MIHAS’ international reach as a global halal trade exposition.
The increased participation provided Malaysian companies with greater opportunities to engage international buyers, explore new markets and develop cross-border business relationships.
Malaysian SME Sales Rise 11.3%
The growth of MIHAS 2026 was also reflected in its contribution to Malaysian SMEs.
Malaysian SMEs generated RM620 million in sales at the MIHAS Exhibition this year, compared with RM557 million in 2025. This represents an increase of approximately RM63 million, or 11.3%.
SME participation has also expanded significantly over the past six editions. The number of participating Malaysian SMEs rose from 64 companies in 2021 to 339 companies in 2026, representing a 429.7% increase.
The stronger SME performance comes as Malaysia’s halal export sector continues to grow. Malaysia’s halal exports reached RM68.52 billion in 2025, up 10.9% from RM61.79 billion in 2024.
Under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), Malaysia has set a target of RM80 billion in halal exports, creating further opportunities for Malaysian companies, particularly SMEs, to expand into international markets.
Through international buyer access, business matching, sourcing opportunities and digital tools, MIHAS 2026 continues to support Malaysian SMEs in strengthening their export capabilities and expanding their market reach.
Agentic AI Transforms Business Matching
Beyond its sales performance, MIHAS 2026 also marked a significant step in the digital transformation of halal trade through the integration of Agentic AI.
More than 22,000 AI-assisted business appointments were generated during the event, demonstrating how artificial intelligence can support businesses in identifying and connecting with potential trade partners.
Of these AI-assisted appointments, 324 matches reported RM28 million in sales associated with completed AI-assisted appointments.
The AI platform will also remain operational until 2027, allowing participating businesses to continue connecting with potential buyers and pursuing trade opportunities beyond the four-day exhibition.
Dato’ Indera Abu Bakar said the integration of Agentic AI was helping MIHAS evolve into a more connected and digitally enabled trade facilitation ecosystem.
“With the integration of Agentic AI, MIHAS is evolving into a more connected and digitally enabled trade facilitation ecosystem, helping Malaysian companies identify potential buyers, build meaningful business relationships and pursue new export opportunities beyond the exhibition floor,” he said.
Under the MADANI Digital Trade Platform (MDTP), MATRADE also plans to provide Malaysian exporters with continued connectivity to global buyers and support them in securing sustainable export opportunities.
MIHAS Continues to Strengthen Malaysia’s Halal Trade Position
Since its establishment in 2004, the Malaysia International Halal Showcase has grown into a major platform for halal trade, supporting the industry’s development in areas including halal standards, governance and market access.
Hosted by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and organised by MATRADE, MIHAS now covers 14 sectors, including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, Islamic finance, modest fashion, personal care, technology, services and Muslim-friendly tourism.
The 22nd edition, themed “Shaping Trust, Driving Resilience”, focused on regulated-by-design governance and technology-enabled trade.
With RM6.78 billion in sales, stronger international participation, growing SME involvement and continued AI-powered business matching, MIHAS 2026 demonstrates how Malaysia’s flagship halal trade platform is expanding beyond a conventional exhibition to create longer-term opportunities for Malaysian businesses and exporters.
