Halal Market Segmentation Must Target Global Needs, Not Just Muslim Consumers
KUCHING: The development of the halal industry needs to focus on market segmentation that meets global needs, so that products produced can penetrate both halal and non-halal markets at the international level.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said producers should not be overly ambitious in trying to dominate the entire global market, but should instead tap into the potential of regional markets covering India, China, East Asia and ASEAN.
He added that penetrating these regional markets should not be limited to the halal market segment associated only with Muslim consumers, but should also extend into the non-halal segment.
"In fact, we can penetrate both the halal and non-halal markets, because people need solutions to their problems, including health problems," he said.
He was speaking at the launch of the Borneo International Halal Showcase (BIHAS) 2026 at a leading hotel here on Tuesday.
He said this penetration is something Sarawak is currently pursuing by prioritising science-based research.
Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari said Sarawak needs to prepare students and young people, whether Muslim or non-Muslim, to explore halal processes.
He explained that venturing into non-halal processes may be somewhat more challenging, but exploring halal processes, where the resulting products can benefit both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers, allows for a meaningful contribution to humanity.
Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, DBKU and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Sarawak Deputy Ministers, Special Adviser to the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED) Dato Sri Mohd Naroden Majais, MINTRED Permanent Secretary Datu Lester Matthew, Chairman of the Sarawak Islamic Council Datuk Misnu Taha, and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews
Prepared by: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Photos: George Embie
Translator: Uilson Ng
