Malaysian port operator eyes China’s growing halal market
Major port operator Westports Holdings Bhd is positioning itself to capitalize on China’s rapidly growing halal food and beverage market
SHANGHAI, China (MNTV) – As Malaysia seeks a stronger role in global halal logistics, major port operator Westports Holdings Bhd is positioning itself to capitalize on China’s rapidly growing halal food and beverage market, projected to reach $217.10 billion by 2034, reports The Edge Malaysia.
Handling a significant share of Malaysia’s container and conventional cargo, Westports is well placed to tap into the surging demand for halal-certified products from the world’s largest consumer market.
Westports Holdings group managing director Datuk Eddie Lee said the company aims to promote Malaysia as a regional halal logistics hub.
“Together with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation, we want to showcase Malaysia to the world.”
“Halal logistics is a major market, especially with China’s 1.5 billion population. Even for durian, we now have halal-certified, value-added products. People in China love durian and halal food, and this presents a major opportunity,” he told Bernama.
Lee added that with 20% of Westports’ container volume originating from China, the port is banking on its strategic location along the Straits of Malacca and high service standards to become the preferred gateway for halal shipments.
Maybank Islamic Bhd’s program director for strategic initiatives Dr Muhd Ramadhan Fitri Ellias said the bank aims to support Malaysian micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in expanding their businesses in China.
Ramadhan said the bank also seeks to attract Chinese halal industry players to invest in Malaysia and use the country as a hub for their halal operations.
“We can assist Chinese enterprises looking to invest in Malaysia and grow their halal businesses across Asean. We have a strong network not only in Malaysia but throughout all Asean countries,” he said.
Ramadhan said China’s halal market has tremendous potential, supported by a growing awareness and understanding of halal products among Chinese consumers.
“There is a growing realization in China that halal is not just about religion but also about cleanliness, integrity in the food production process, and high food-handling standards. They see halal not merely as a religious requirement but as a mark of hygiene and quality — among the highest standards in the industry,” he added.
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