MIHAS 2026 Sales Surge 12.0 Pct To RM6.78 Bln - MATRADE
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 (Bernama) -- Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026 has delivered a strong four-day performance with total sales of RM6.78 billion -- an increase of RM730 million or 12.0 per cent from RM6.05 billion recorded in 2025.
The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) said the achievement also exceeded the RM5.0 billion sales target.
“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,” chief executive officer Datuk Abu Bakar Yusof said.
He said the agency remains committed to strengthening SMEs and Mid-Tier Companies (MTCs) to expand into global markets, especially the emerging and non-traditional markets.
"The RM6.78 billion in sales achieved at MIHAS 2026 represents valuable opportunities.
“With the integration of Agentic Artificial Intelligence (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.
Abu Bakar added that under the MADANI Digital Trade Platform (MDTP), Malaysian exporters will have continuous connectivity with global buyers and support them in securing sustainable export opportunities.
He said this in a statement issued following the conclusion of MIHAS 2026 last Saturday.
MATRADE said MIHAS 2026 attracted 69,104 visitors from 93 countries, up from 50,340 visitors in 2025 -- an increase of 37.3 per cent, the highest since its inception in 2004.
The event also brought together participating exhibitors and International Sourcing Programme (INSP) buyers from 58 countries, further strengthening MIHAS’ international reach and appeal as a global halal trade exposition.
"The INSP generated RM4.02 billion in sales, compared with RM3.63 billion in 2025, representing an increase of RM394.5 million or 10.9 per cent," it said.
Meanwhile, the MIHAS Exhibition recorded approximately RM1.99 billion in sales, compared with RM1.89 billion in 2025, with top products being processed food and confectionery, food technology and packaging, frozen food, and fertilisers and agrochemicals.
At the same time, Malaysian SMEs generated RM620 million in sales compared with RM557 million in 2025.
SME participation increased from 64 companies in 2021 to 339 companies in 2026, representing a significant 429.7 per cent increase.
More than 22,000 AI-assisted business appointments were generated during MIHAS 2026, demonstrating how AI is transforming the way businesses connect and pursue new trade opportunities.
"Of these AI-assisted appointments, 324 matches reported RM28 million in sales associated with these completed AI-assisted appointments," it said, adding that the AI platform will continue to operate until 2027.
-- BERNAMA