KUCHING: A total of seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), involving foreign enterprises and business chambers, were signed at the Borneo International Halal Showcase (BIHAS) 2026, with potential commitments estimated at approximately RM36.8 million over the next three years.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the exchange of MoUs reflects a shared commitment to strengthening strategic cooperation to advance the halal industry at the regional and international levels.

"Cooperation in halal exports, capacity building and strategic collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening economic ties between Sarawak, Singapore, Kalimantan, Europe and other international partners, while laying a strong foundation for the future growth of the regional halal ecosystem," he said.

He was speaking at the launch of the Borneo International Halal Showcase (BIHAS) 2026, officiated by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, at a leading hotel here on Tuesday.

The MoU exchange ceremony, held at the highlight of the event, was witnessed by Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.

Among the key MoUs signed was a tripartite collaboration involving the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED), Mustafa's Pte Ltd and GHA-Haltex, aimed at developing the Sarawak Pavilion at Mustafa Centre, Singapore, as a platform to promote products under the Sarawak Export Programme and expand halal trade networks in the business-to-business (B2B) market.

Another strategic collaboration involving MINTRED, HalOk Pte Ltd and Haltex Group aims to strengthen the access of Sarawak products to international markets through global halal trade networks.

In the halal food industry sector, PPES Ternak Sdn Bhd and Bumi Teraju Resources Sdn Bhd signed an MoU to expand the market for Sara-Bif products into Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia, in addition to supporting the development of Borneo's halal ecosystem.

Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sarawak established a collaboration with the American Lycetuff School System (ALS), Pakistan, to empower the development of women entrepreneurs, raise halal awareness and promote innovation through education, research and professional development.

UiTM Sarawak also signed an MoU with Minhaj University Lahore, Pakistan, through the Centre for Halal Awareness, Research and Training (CHART), to strengthen cooperation in education, research, innovation and professional training related to the halal industry.

The Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Chamber (DUBS) signed two separate MoUs, with the West Kalimantan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN Kalbar), Indonesia, and the Sabah Bumiputera Chamber of Commerce (DPBS), aimed at strengthening business cooperation networks and opening up cross-border trade opportunities. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Photos: George Embie
Translator: Uilson Ng